Prejudice By Abby Calcutt Prejudice has been an intricate element in society from before the dawning of civilization. Prejudice is responsible for many social injustices. People have judged people unfairly and prematurely in every way, and breaking free of stereotypes is a challenge faced by all. Scarcely are the outcomes of prejudice positive. Rarely are those to whom it is directed spared violence, racism, or pain. In To Kill a Mockingbird, the presence of differences too great to be overcome are accurately represented. Harper Lee’s classic is a tender representation of a young life impacted by the experience of prejudice. In the book not only was prejudice present in the community, but racism is rampant in the minds of the unjust. Even after all the evidence had been laid out and it was obvious that Tom Robinson hadn’t committed any crime, he was still convicted. Consequently, an innocent man was charged with a crime he did not commit, all because of the color of his skin. Racial slurs were often yelled at Helen Robinson as she passed the Ewell’s shack on the way to work. Furthermore, segregation in the community was often apparent. For instance, in the court room situation, the black community was forced to sit in the hot balcony. Calpurnia, Scout and Jem’s Nanny/ housekeeper, had to enter the house through the back door. Prejudice often lead to unnecessary violence as shown in Harper Lee’s novel. The idea of a black man’s word being tested against a white man’s in court is too extreme to be accepted. This creates a clash in morals between the less wealthy farmers and Atticus, the black man’s defense attorney. The mob confronts Atticus at the jailhouse and they're more than willing to beat him up to get to Tom, the black man. The day after the trial Mr. Ewell displayed the anger created by prejudice. He was enraged that his white daughter had kissed a black man and that Atticus had wounded his pride in court. He spat in Atticus's face and threatened to kill him, wanting vengeance greater than the court could offer. In addition to those examples, was the excessive reaction of the guards, who shot not once to wound, but seventeen to kill. Undoubtedly, they committed a sin by killing a crippled man. The biggest causes and triggers of prejudice are the differences apparent in society. People observe each other and are quick to judge and stereotype. Atticus, a man wise beyond his years, taught his children many great lessons, such as, "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view." The second being "Step into their skin and walk around in it." Those moral guidelines were needed by Scout to strip away the judged exteriors of Boo and Tom. After setting aside the physical differences she found herself greatly connected to both of the amazing individuals, a feat too challenging for many Maycomb county members to do. The idea of equality was a step outside the standard mold for the people of Maycomb and to some, an issue too great to be addressed. Their need to feel superior was a security blanket, comforting their true insecurities. The blanket would become wound so tightly, that an individual would lose sight of what was right and what was wrong. The differences, made apparent when an individual was separated from their ignorant views, made them feel weak and not in control. In attempts to gain the power back, they would become rude and downright heartless. Mayella, Tom and Boo were all mockingbirds, in a sense, and were ridiculed for their differences. The people of Maycomb weren’t mean at heart, they just spent their whole lives trying to fill the mold of their parents and lost sight of justice. Thus, prejudice is greatly responsible for much social injustice, and Harper Lee describes people's mistakes in an honest and compassionate way that leaves the reader with a greater understanding of the prejudice present in society. |