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Examples Of Racial Injustice In To Kill A Mockingbird

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During the time of To Kill A Mockingbird, racism was a big problem that went unrealized. Many people did not realize how unjust it was. Constantly this book reminds us and shows that racism was a driving factor and could change anyone’s opinion back then. There are many examples to use in this book for racism and I chose what I believe to be the best ones. Tom’s trial, The treatment of Dr.Raymond, and how racism gives power in Maycomb. Tom's trial showed how no matter how much of a genuine person you are, the color of your skin can sway an opinion. In these times, you could get convicted of what you didn’t do and people would be blinded. “No such scared I'd hafta face up to what I didn’t do” (Harper Lee 198). This quote shows how even though Tom knows he is innocent he still is scared of the consequences and what might happen to him because of racial injustice. No matter how much evidence Tom truly had, he had no chance because of the injustice of Maycomb. “Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed” (Harper Lee 241). This …show more content…

Dr. Raymond and Atticus are perfect examples. Some people get shamed for being near black people and don’t know what to do. Raymond pretends to be a drunk so that the citizens of Maycomb will have an explanation for his behavior. In reality, he is simply jaded by the hypocrisy of white society and prefers living among blacks. This shows that he feels the need to lie just so he can soften society's blow. Another example is Atticus, who does not hide and disguise like Raymond. Atticus is one of the few residents of Maycomb committed to racial equality. When he agrees to defend Tom Robinson, a black man charged with raping a white woman, he exposes himself and his family to the anger of the white community. This is proof that no matter what, because of the prejudice he would be hated because he was kind and helped black

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