Effects Of Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird

The Oxford English Dictionary defines racism as, "The notion that members of various races possess distinctive characteristics, abilities, or qualities, especially so as to differentiate them as inferior or superior to one another." In the novel, "To Kill A Mockingbird," Harper Lee explores the effects of racism in the 1930’s through the life of a young white girl, Scout. To Kill a Mockingbird inspires it’s readers to take a stand against not only racism but bigotry as well. Although racism is still a severe issue in the United States, it is not as prominent as it was in the 1930’s. However in modern day society, despite great political and societal advancements regarding racism, racial minorities in America continue to experience daily prejudice.

During this time, many white extremist groups attracted nearly six million members. Many white racists encouraged violence, and law enforcement would turn a blind eye or even join in the beatings. Whites found torture amusing, and many families brought their children to public hangings. Many would then mutilate and take victim body parts as souvenirs. Many whites, like Atticus, were dragged from their homes, beaten, and hanged. This is very different from what we have now with most families having a multicultural perspective on black politics and rights. Even though there are still many groups of whites who believe they are superior to blacks, most whites have learned to respect and value non-white people in their communities. It is clear that, while our society has come a long way from our bigoted beliefs, there are still many people who need to open their eyes and see that everyone, regardless of skin color, deserves the same humanity, rights, and respect as everyone

As the southern setting of Maycomb, Alabama implies, the racial aspect of the trial consumes the town leading to escalating tensions and violence among those with opposing races and views. The racial components of this case are seen inside and out of the courtroom in forms of communal bias, racial slurs, an attempted lynching, and predisposition of the jury. In the novel Atticus says “We know all men are not created equal in the sense some people would have us believe… But there is one way in this country in which all men have been created equal… That institution, gentlemen, is a court.”(Lee, Mockingbird 233). Whether the defendant is black or white, Atticus Finch believes in equal justice in the courtroom. In the Robinson case, Atticus hoped that the jury would apply the rule of law and look at the actual evidence of the case rather than their own private beliefs and prejudice. Even so the majority of Maycomb residents harbor the common prejudice and racism of the 1930’s and except from Atticus, his children, and a handful of other whites, no one thinks to question the racism in their town. Eventhough all evidence pointed towards the innecense of Tom Robinson, he is convicted of rape by an all-white jury. Prejudice and bigotry ruled the courts, not equality and innocence. It