Racism And Discrimination Today

One of the most controversial social issues in the world today that has continued to affect millions of people is racism. This concept can be defined as the discrimination of others based on their racial background; the belief that one race is superior to the other (Patten, 2016). Racism can also be based on different ethnic backgrounds, cultural values, and physical appearances. Throughout the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, the theme of racism is evident through the trial of Tom Robinson. Harper Lee’s themes of prejudice towards African Americans are still present today due to unfair trial convictions and racial wage gaps, despite the fact that there is workplace protection against racism.
In today’s society racism is evident through unfair

To begin with, racial wage gaps have increased drastically in the last 36 years. In fact, black men make 31 percent less than white men. According to Economic Policy Institute in 2015, black men made 22 percent less in hourly wages compared to white men with the same work experience, same education, and region of residence. In 2015, black men’s average hourly wages decreased by 31 percent than those of white men. Average hourly wages for black and Hispanic men were $14 to $15, however, white men earned $21 (Patten, 2016). Additionally, hourly wage gaps between women have also increased. In 2000, black women earned 4.1 percent less than young white women; in 2015 the gap has increased to 10.8 percent. (“Racial wage gap largest in 36 years,” 2016). Racial wage gaps are also illustrated through the Robinsons from To Kill A Mockingbird. The Robinsons are in the lowest social class of the economy. As stated in the book, “The congregation stirred. ‘You all know what it’s for—Helen can’t leave those children to work while Tom’s in jail. If everybody gives one more dime, we’ll have it—’” (124). Reverend Sykes announces that the church offerings this week will go to Helen Robinson since Tom Robinson is in jail and not able to make money for the family. Today, black men experience a wage gap when compared to white men while working the same job. This scenario depicts the act of racism and

This is evident through the unfair sentences black men receive compared to white men and the alarming wage gaps between races. Although the Equal Pay Act of 1963 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 has decreased the amount of discriminating remarks, it is still present. In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, racism was apparent through many characters including Tom Robinson. Similarly, Tom Robinson was involved in a rape case and was found guilty because of his skin color. Although racism has decreased in today’s world, it is still evident. Instead of clear and outright racism minorities suffered in the olden days, there is now sly racism that is prominent in schools, workplace, and trial convictions. The claws of racism are still grasping the modern world, however, it is possible to end this cycle by raising awareness of this social