Prejudice In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

From the beginning of human civilization, prejudice has always been a prominent theme within society. Prejudice is an idea or opinion that makes often hurtful and unreasonable assumptions about a person, group of people, or thing. From the early Romans and their sexist views on women to the rampant spreading of anti-semitism that stemmed from Hitler’s persecution of the Jewish people during the 1940s, to the still existing racial and gender stereotypes and standards that are still common today, prejudice has always existed in the world. Though prejudice is still very widespread, there are ways to help stop the spread of prejudice. One of these ways is by using literature. The novel To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, illustrates the

Scout asks, “‘Do you defend ----- Atticus’”(75)? Being slightly taken aback by Scout’s use of such a derogatory term, Atticus replies, “‘Of course I do. Don’t say -----, Scout”’(75). The pure thought of a young child using such a derogatory term towards black people is shocking. Scout is so used to this language being used in her society, that she thinks it is an okay term to use. The use of such a slur by everyone in Maycomb is an everyday occurrence. This shows racial prejudice because the Maycomb society is so used to racism, that even the children, most of whom barely understand the true connotations of such a word, participate in it. When it comes time for Tom Robinson’s trial, the kids are excited, because they are positive that Atticus is going to be able to win the case. At one point in the trial, Atticus proves that Mr. Ewell, the father of Mayella Ewell who accuses Tom Robinson of rape, is left-handed, which means he easily could’ve been the one to hit

An example of this bias is illustrated towards the start of the novel when Scout is too scared to go near the Radley house to grab a tire for a game Jem and Dill want to play, Jem tells her, “‘I swear, Scout, sometimes you act so much like a girl it’s mortifyin'’”(38). After saying this, Jem goes and grabs the tire himself. This statement from Jem greatly exemplifies gender prejudice, as Jem is saying that being scared or frightened are emotions that only girls can feel. Not only is this a sexist belief, but this quotation also implies that only girls can feel strong emotions and that all girls are overly emotional. By using the word “mortifying” to describe Scout’s actions, Jem is implying that these natural reactions of fear are wrong for someone who is supposed to be “strong” to feel and that these feelings should not occur. When Jem gives up on trying to convince Scout to get the tire and instead goes to get the tire himself, this moment is an example of the common stereotype that women need men to do things for them. Later, another instance of gender prejudice is displayed when Scout is asked by one of the ladies who are attending the Missionary Society meeting what occupation Scout would like to become when she grows up, Scout responds “‘...just a lady’”(230). After this response, Miss Stephanie Crawford looks at Scout, and responds, “‘Well, you won’t get very far until you start wearing dresses