Racism In To Kill A Mockingbird By Harper Lee

Racism, an insidious specter that haunts the wind, relentlessly plagues society, inflicting harm upon the world's minorities. Racism alters the lives of millions around the globe, solely based on differences in skin color, ethnicity, or culture. Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, places racism in the spotlight, showcasing its prevalence in Maycomb, Alabama, a sleepy, Southern town. In this town, Atticus Finch, a man of unwavering morals, shoulders the duty of defending Tom Robinson, a falsely accused black man. Set in the 1930s, the characters in the novel confront a community filled with prejudice and discrimination. The impact of racism echoes throughout the lives of characters like Tom Robinson and Jem Finch, exposing the harm and

For instance, Tom Robinson, a black man wrongly accused of assaulting a white woman, faces a pivotal moment that will determine his fate. A prejudiced jury, already biased against him due to his skin color, holds the power to decide the outcome. Mayella Ewell, a lonely girl from a troubled family, falsely accuses Tom to escape the punishment of her own actions. As they present their versions of events, it becomes increasingly apparent that as a black man in Maycomb, Tom's chances of receiving a fair trial seem slim. Atticus passionately states to the jury, "In our courts, when it's a white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins. They're ugly, but those are the facts of life" (Lee 295). Atticus exposes the deep-rooted racial bias and injustice ingrained within Maycomb's legal system. By acknowledging that "the white man always wins" (Lee 295) in such cases, Atticus reveals the systemic racism that denies Tom Robinson a fair trial. This quote unveils how Tom's skin color determines the outcome of the case, emphasizing the pervasive theme of racism

Jem possesses a deeper understanding of the events unfolding around him compared to his sister Scout and their friend Dill. Jem's loss of innocence occurs when he learns that Tom Robinson's fate is sealed, and he will not receive a fair trial. As the trial unfolds in the Maycomb courthouse, Jem's optimism leads him to believe that justice will prevail. He closely follows Atticus's defense, recognizing the flaws in Mayella Ewell's testimony and feeling hopeful for a favorable outcome. With each skillful argument presented by Atticus, Jem's confidence in Tom's innocence solidifies. In his youthful idealism, he envisions a victory for their side, firmly believing that truth and fairness will triumph. He confidently declares, "But don't fret, we've won it. Don’t see how any jury could convict on what we heard—" (Lee 279) convinced that no jury could possibly convict based on the compelling evidence presented. However, the moment that forever marks Jem's growth and shatters his innocence occurs when the jury delivers the verdict. The news of Tom Robinson's conviction comes as a devastating blow to Jem, who is utterly shocked by the outcome. Harper Lee portrays Jem's stunned disbelief with the words, "His hands were white from gripping the balcony rail, and his shoulder jerked as if each