Racial Prejudice
"You aren't really a nigger-lover, then, are you?"
A problem in the southern states of America in the mid 1930s and evident throughout To Kill a Mockingbird is racial prejudice. Racial prejudice had a great impact on the residents’ actions and views on black people in the town of Macomb.
Harper Lee has chosen to explore this issue through the charge brought by Bob Ewell against Tom Robinson. Because the white people in the society back then saw black people as inferior, Tom Robinson was wrongfully accused and sentenced even though there was not sufficient evidence for him to have committed the crime. The court would’ve given him a fair trial if it weren’t for his race, which shows how racial prejudice played a role in their decision.
Another example would be Aunt Alexandra’s racist views towards Calpurnia. She does not like Calpurnia and does not see her as part of the family. Also, the prejudice Scout and Jem face due to Atticus defending Tom Robinson shows the white peoples’ response to how it was not ‘normal’ to like black people.
In addition to this, the formation of generated hatred and racial prejudice towards the African Americans is explored in the text. Among many factors including fear and ignorance, it contributed to the unfairness and inequality towards black people.
Harper Lee has chosen to explore this issue through the charge brought by Bob Ewell against Tom Robinson. Because the white people in the society back then saw black people as inferior, Tom Robinson was wrongfully accused and sentenced even though there was not sufficient evidence for him to have committed the crime. The court would’ve given him a fair trial if it weren’t for his race, which shows how racial prejudice played a role in their decision.
Another example would be Aunt Alexandra’s racist views towards Calpurnia. She does not like Calpurnia and does not see her as part of the family. Also, the prejudice Scout and Jem face due to Atticus defending Tom Robinson shows the white peoples’ response to how it was not ‘normal’ to like black people.
In addition to this, the formation of generated hatred and racial prejudice towards the African Americans is explored in the text. Among many factors including fear and ignorance, it contributed to the unfairness and inequality towards black people.
For further information, visit:
Australian Human Rights Commission: Know your rights: Racial discrimination and vilification
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/know-your-rights-racial-discrimination-and-vilification
Cross Cultural Differences and Respecting Others
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/grownups/news-research/hot-topics/cross-cultural-differences.php
Unlawful Discrimination
http://www.antidiscriminationaustralia.com.au/?gclid=CPGAl-68yrkCFYVapQodNFcA1g
http://www.humanrights.gov.au/publications/know-your-rights-racial-discrimination-and-vilification
Cross Cultural Differences and Respecting Others
http://www.kidshelp.com.au/grownups/news-research/hot-topics/cross-cultural-differences.php
Unlawful Discrimination
http://www.antidiscriminationaustralia.com.au/?gclid=CPGAl-68yrkCFYVapQodNFcA1g