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Examples Of Sexism In To Kill A Mockingbird

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Sexism in Dress Codes Human beings are born with many rights and freedom, including the fundamental right to choose clothes. As a result, looking at their clothes is one of the most common ways to distinguish between two different identities. Moreover, clothing is one of the standards when we evaluate or form the impression of others. Nevertheless, gradually, the human right to choose clothes freely is somehow restricted on some specific occasions. In formal parties, it is rational to set dress codes for everybody. It is also reasonable to require different genders to wear separate clothes for better management in some places like schools. However, some dress codes are set by subjective, selfish, and old-style humans. Furthermore, these people …show more content…

She, an independent girl, often wears overalls, a shirt, and a straw hat to protect herself from the sun while playing outside. However, her neighbor Miss Stephanie Crawford, a so-called lady, tells Scout, "Well, you won't get very far (from becoming a lady) until you start wearing dresses more often" (Lee). For Miss Stephanie, if a girl wants to be a true lady, wearing a dress is a necessary step. She restricts Scout's freedom to choose clothing to some extent because Scout has to obey her rule as the younger female generation. On the contrary, Scout's brother Jem has never been reprimanded for his clothing though he is also expected to be a gentleman. The dress codes in Maycomb are unfair to Scout, but she chooses not to challenge Miss Stephanie's opinions. Instead, she just says nothing. Many factors lead to this result. First of all, Atticus encourages Scout to be tolerant of others and treat all people with respect and dignity, , even when she disagrees with them. Also, Scout witnesses that when others disregard Atticus, he is still calm and polite. Atticus's personality influences Scout's behavior unconsciously. In addition, Miss Maudie's action also impacts Scout's behavior and demeanor. When Scout is feeling mad, Miss Maudie touches her hand to warm her, providing her with the energy to stay calm and collected. All of these factors come together to help Scout maintain her composure and independence in the face of societal

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