To Kill A Mockingbird And Elizabeth Svoboda's The Mask

Individuals confront dilemmas with their consciences because of the rules and expectations of their communities. This can be affected through hardships, the need for social validation, and fear of being judged. This is shown through the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, poem “The Mask” by Maya Angelou, and article “If You’re in Danger, Will Bystanders Help?” by Elizabeth Svoboda. Both "To Kill a Mockingbird" and "The Mask" illustrate the theme of individuals confronting dilemmas with their consciences due to societal rules and expectations, and how these struggles can be influenced by hardships. These works highlight the internal conflict between personal beliefs and societal norms, and the challenges individuals face in navigating

In "The Mask," Maya Angelou explores the concept of wearing a facade to conform to societal expectations. The poem describes a persona that the speaker puts on, hiding their true self behind a mask to please others and gain acceptance. The speaker struggles with the conflict between their authentic self and the mask they wear to meet the societal standards of beauty and behavior. This reflects how individuals may feel pressured to conform to the expectations of their communities, even if it means suppressing their true identity or beliefs, in order to gain social validation and acceptance. Similarly, in the article "If You're in Danger, Will Bystanders Help?" by Elizabeth Svoboda, the author discusses the phenomenon of bystander apathy, where individuals fail to intervene in emergencies due to social pressures and fear of judgment from others. The article explores the psychological factors that influence bystander behavior, such as diffusion of responsibility and the fear of going against social norms. It shows how individuals may hesitate to help others in need due to the fear of being ostracized by their community, which can impact their conscience and moral

In "To Kill a Mockingbird," the main character, Scout Finch, is raised in a small Southern town where racism and social norms are deeply ingrained. As she navigates the injustices and prejudices that exist in her community, Scout is faced with moral dilemmas that challenge her conscience. For example, she struggles with the expectations placed on her to conform to societal norms of racism and discrimination, particularly in the case of Tom Robinson, a black man who is unjustly accused of a crime. Despite the pressure from her community to conform, Scout's conscience compels her to question these norms and stand up for what she believes is right, even if it means going against the expectations of her community. Similarly, in the article "If You're in Danger, Will Bystanders Help?" by Elizabeth Svoboda, the author discusses the phenomenon of bystander effect, where individuals hesitate to help someone in need due to the fear of being judged by others or violating social norms. The article explores how societal expectations and fear of judgment can impact an individual's decision to intervene or assist in a dangerous situation, even when their conscience may be urging them to do