Our world is so caught up with judging and labelling people according to their appearance, that we are put into certain social categories and statuses according to our race, sexuality, colour and many more. These labels define what we can and can’t do, who we can socialise with and how we are accepted among different communities.
The theme of Racism is shown throughout the text of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. During the 1930s, African- Americans were still highly out casted in society. They were not permitted to associate with white Americans in public settings, which is shown throughout the novel by the segregation of African- Americans from different aspects of life. These included the separation of races in court houses and other areas, which led to distinct ‘black’ and ‘white’ areas of town. Intermarriage between the two races was rarely heard of, and looked down upon in society.
Throughout the novel, Scout explores the differences between African-Americans and white Americans. An example is when Jem and herself attend Calpurnia’s Church, which she quite enjoyed. After Church, Scout asks Calpurnia if she might be able to visit her house sometime. Calpurnia agrees, but the visit is never made, mainly because Aunt Alexandra puts a stop to it. Aunt Alexandra treats Calpurnia as a servant, instead of the well-respected caretaker and guardian of Jem and Scout, like most of Maycomb does. After living with Atticus for a while, Alexandra makes her feelings about Calpurnia quite clear. This incident leads to an argument between Alexandra and Atticus. She insists that it is time for Calpurnia to leave, that she isn't needed anymore. Alexandra also suggests that Calpurnia isn't the proper person to influence Scout as she grows into a young lady. Atticus makes it clear that Calpurnia is one of their family and has done an excellent job in raising the children.
“Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia.” – Aunt Alexandra
Another example of racism explored throughout the text is the character of Mr Raymond, a white man married to an African-American woman with mixed raced children. He reveals to Jem and Scout that he pretends to be an alcoholic by carrying around a paper bag with a bottle of Coca-Cola inside, in order to let the town excuse his choice to marry an African-American woman. He is tired of the hypocrisy in the white society and prefers to live among the African-Americans. Mr Raymond is constantly criticised because of his lifestyle choices and looked down upon in the white society. Scout learns that he doesn’t really care about what other people think of him, and the compromises people have to make in order to live in communities where they don’t quite fit in.
"When I come to town, […] if I weave a little and drink out of this sack, folks can say Dolphus Raymond's in the clutches of whiskey—that's why he won't change his ways. He can't help himself, that's why he lives the way he does" (20.15).
The most infamous form of racism shown in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is the false conviction of Tom Robinson. Now, the sole reason Robinson was convicted was because he was African- American, and his accuser, Mayella Ewell, was white. The evidence is so powerfully in his favour, that race is the single defining factor in the jury’s decision. Atticus fights against this racism, with a few other townspeople on his side including Miss Maudie and Judge Taylor. Scout and Jem also believe in racial equality, but are obviously in the minority. Even though Atticus ends up losing the trial, he tries to make Scout and Jem understand that although he lost, he did help move along the cause of ending racism, as shown by the length of time taken for the jury to discuss and make his decision. Usually a trial of this nature would be decided immediately.
Many techniques are used to convey the message of racism. A technique used which portrays and illustrates the racism involved in the town of Maycomb, is symbolism. The Mockingbird is an important and significant symbol of the novel. It represents the idea of innocence, which is explained by Miss Maudie at the beginning of the novel. She explains that to kill a mockingbird is to destroy the innocence. Just like in Tom Robinson’s trial. A number of characters can be identified as mockingbirds throughout the novel, including Jem, Tom Robinson, Mr Raymond, Atticus, Dill and Boo Radley as they are all innocent people who have been injured or destroyed through contact with evil. This idea is shown throughout the book, a common example being when Tom Robinson is shot and Mr Raymond compares his death to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds.” Scout also believes that hurting Boo Radley would be like “shootin’ a mockingbird.”
Another symbol is Scout and Jems last name, Finch, which is another small bird, which indicates that they are particularly vulnerable to the racist world of Maycomb, which often treats the innocence of childhood harshly.
Racism is an issue in our world today which affects almost all people in some point in their life, whether it be directed at them or someone they love. The story of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is one of racial injustice, inequality and innocence, all of which can still be witnessed in our world today. It shares the life and stories of one of the worlds most loved families, the Finches, their growth, wisdom and non-judgemental characters. This story is an eye opener for future generations, and will continue to inspire both all people in our world to fight for equality and peace worldwide.
The theme of Racism is shown throughout the text of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’. During the 1930s, African- Americans were still highly out casted in society. They were not permitted to associate with white Americans in public settings, which is shown throughout the novel by the segregation of African- Americans from different aspects of life. These included the separation of races in court houses and other areas, which led to distinct ‘black’ and ‘white’ areas of town. Intermarriage between the two races was rarely heard of, and looked down upon in society.
Throughout the novel, Scout explores the differences between African-Americans and white Americans. An example is when Jem and herself attend Calpurnia’s Church, which she quite enjoyed. After Church, Scout asks Calpurnia if she might be able to visit her house sometime. Calpurnia agrees, but the visit is never made, mainly because Aunt Alexandra puts a stop to it. Aunt Alexandra treats Calpurnia as a servant, instead of the well-respected caretaker and guardian of Jem and Scout, like most of Maycomb does. After living with Atticus for a while, Alexandra makes her feelings about Calpurnia quite clear. This incident leads to an argument between Alexandra and Atticus. She insists that it is time for Calpurnia to leave, that she isn't needed anymore. Alexandra also suggests that Calpurnia isn't the proper person to influence Scout as she grows into a young lady. Atticus makes it clear that Calpurnia is one of their family and has done an excellent job in raising the children.
“Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia.” – Aunt Alexandra
Another example of racism explored throughout the text is the character of Mr Raymond, a white man married to an African-American woman with mixed raced children. He reveals to Jem and Scout that he pretends to be an alcoholic by carrying around a paper bag with a bottle of Coca-Cola inside, in order to let the town excuse his choice to marry an African-American woman. He is tired of the hypocrisy in the white society and prefers to live among the African-Americans. Mr Raymond is constantly criticised because of his lifestyle choices and looked down upon in the white society. Scout learns that he doesn’t really care about what other people think of him, and the compromises people have to make in order to live in communities where they don’t quite fit in.
"When I come to town, […] if I weave a little and drink out of this sack, folks can say Dolphus Raymond's in the clutches of whiskey—that's why he won't change his ways. He can't help himself, that's why he lives the way he does" (20.15).
The most infamous form of racism shown in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is the false conviction of Tom Robinson. Now, the sole reason Robinson was convicted was because he was African- American, and his accuser, Mayella Ewell, was white. The evidence is so powerfully in his favour, that race is the single defining factor in the jury’s decision. Atticus fights against this racism, with a few other townspeople on his side including Miss Maudie and Judge Taylor. Scout and Jem also believe in racial equality, but are obviously in the minority. Even though Atticus ends up losing the trial, he tries to make Scout and Jem understand that although he lost, he did help move along the cause of ending racism, as shown by the length of time taken for the jury to discuss and make his decision. Usually a trial of this nature would be decided immediately.
Many techniques are used to convey the message of racism. A technique used which portrays and illustrates the racism involved in the town of Maycomb, is symbolism. The Mockingbird is an important and significant symbol of the novel. It represents the idea of innocence, which is explained by Miss Maudie at the beginning of the novel. She explains that to kill a mockingbird is to destroy the innocence. Just like in Tom Robinson’s trial. A number of characters can be identified as mockingbirds throughout the novel, including Jem, Tom Robinson, Mr Raymond, Atticus, Dill and Boo Radley as they are all innocent people who have been injured or destroyed through contact with evil. This idea is shown throughout the book, a common example being when Tom Robinson is shot and Mr Raymond compares his death to “the senseless slaughter of songbirds.” Scout also believes that hurting Boo Radley would be like “shootin’ a mockingbird.”
Another symbol is Scout and Jems last name, Finch, which is another small bird, which indicates that they are particularly vulnerable to the racist world of Maycomb, which often treats the innocence of childhood harshly.
Racism is an issue in our world today which affects almost all people in some point in their life, whether it be directed at them or someone they love. The story of ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ is one of racial injustice, inequality and innocence, all of which can still be witnessed in our world today. It shares the life and stories of one of the worlds most loved families, the Finches, their growth, wisdom and non-judgemental characters. This story is an eye opener for future generations, and will continue to inspire both all people in our world to fight for equality and peace worldwide.