The novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by
Harper Lee, should be a must-read book because it informs the reader about the
relevant topic of racism, explains to the reader how they should always fight
for their beliefs, and teaches about the importance of keeping a view of
compassion and humility.
Racism and discrimination is shown
to be very prevalent in the way that the surrounding community treats Atticus
and his family for defending Tom. It is a Saturday, Jem and Scout are heading
to the town to spend some money on toys where they encounter Mrs. Dubose. Mrs.
Dubose is described as a “vicious” lady that would criticize and shout at them
at any given moment. When Jem and Scout pass by Mrs. Dubose’s house she
immediately starts to scold them. Jem and Scout are trying to keep calm like
their father taught them until Mrs. Dubose says, “Not only Finch
waiting on tables but one in the courthouse lawing for niggers!” (PDF 55). Jem
gets a little disturbed by this but he completely snaps when Mrs. Dubose says,
“Your fathers no better than the niggers and trash he works for!” (PDF 55). Jem
then proceeds to smash her camellia bushes. Racism
and discrimination is shown as a big part of the community though the actions
of Mrs. Dubose. She discriminates Atticus and his family for defending Tom
Robinson. One of the remarks that show discrimination is when she says Atticus
is “lawing for niggers.” When she says this, it shows how she is part of the
racism and discrimination happening in the town. She then proceeds to insult
further by saying Atticus is “no better than the niggers and the trash he works
for.” This quote, again, shows how Mrs. Dubose is very judging of the Finch’s
for defending a black man. When she compares Atticus to the “niggers”, it shows
that people in that age thought very lowly of colored people and anyone
associated with them. The community that the Finch’s are part of is shown to be
segregated. People of color are separated from white people. Racism is very
common towards people of color, and anyone that defends these people is thought
of as the same. It is like the people think the people defending them might as
well be colored too. Racism and discrimination are very widespread throughout
the community in To Kill a Mockingbird.
I agree with what you are saying, but I have some additional information: Yes, there are characters in the book such as Mrs. Dubose who support racism; that was common both in the time it was written and in the time it was portrayed. It is only natural that that was included due to that. However, the message of the book does not hint toward racism, rather it vehemently argues against racism. Many of the main characters do not support racism, and thus the book does not lend itself to supporting racism. Atticus defends the innocent black man against a white court, showing that racial equality is still present. The children fight for their father and for racial equality, showing that the book does not in any way support racism, but rather argues against it.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with everything you are saying. I have read this book, and I can see how disturbing it could be, especially around the time it was published. I also see where you are coming from when you say it should be a must-read book. This book is, in no way, supporting racism, rather teaching against the idea. I think it is important for high-schoolers to read this book so that we can learn from some of the characters' actions, especially their mistakes.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Cathrine and Jacob, I think this book should be a must- read, because it is a book that teaches a moral lesson. I think that this book teaches children about how life was back in the 1900's, and how people treated them. When I was reading this, I always thought about how white people could treat the African Americans so badly. This book teaches children how the world used to be, and how that were racist they were towards the African Americans. Yes, the word "nigger" I think is over used, and I could see where parents might have a problem with their children for reading the book in that aspect of it, but I think that it teaches a life lesson, and it teaches children that the way of life back then is not accepted in today's society. I also agree with Cathrine's statement when she said it is not supporting racism, because it is simply teaching children how life was, and how the people learned from their mistakes.
ReplyDeleteWhile everybody in the entire grade could agree with you on saying this is a must-read book, I still think it should be challenged. We all know how immature kids our age can be, and with the extensive explicit language and racist content that shows up time and time again. Regardless, your story was captivating, and I really enjoyed reading your viewpoint. The novel contains a fantastic message, no doubt, that relates to standing up for one's beliefs and developing. You did a terrific job of taking a stand on what you believe in and writing a good editorial.
ReplyDeleteNice Job Justin!
Gunnar, racism does not play a huge impact in our world today like it did when this book was written. "Kids our age" should be able to handle this kind of information especially when the book is fighting against the racism factor. However vulgar language is present, it is not anything new to the ears of high schoolers. This book, like you said, could be considered challenged, but only for middle-school and younger, not high-school.
Deletei agree with what your saying about racism and how this book should be read because it is showing how the world viewed black people at this time. i respect your opinion but i believe this book should be challenged because while it does inform the reader about racism it also uses very explicit language against a particular group of people and even with this great message i think some kids might not be able to handle some of the things that happen during this book.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with your state meant that this book should be challenged. Young people today have heard the word "nigger" before. They have also been exposed to many other terrible stereotypes about black people. What they need to hear about is how people have challenged those stereotypes and treated black people with dignity. The main characters in this book clearly does just that. In fact, Atticus Finch teaches his children important life lessons about racism and human dignity. In the process we learn what his children learn. This is clearly a must-read book.
DeleteI agree that this books should be a must read book. To Kill a Mockingbird adressess the topic of racism and it provides a valuable life lesson for those students who read the book. I disagree with Gunnar because if those kids cannot handle the racist content of the book then they are not mature enough to read it yet. To Kill a Mockingbird is definitely a must read book for those students in high school because readers can learn from the characters in it and it teaches an important life lesson.
ReplyDeleteJustin, I agree with the fact that this book should be considered a must-read. Although throughout the text "nigger" is used more often than not, it gives readers, especially the generations that some after us, a sense of how people of colored were treated. I feel like when our kids, their kids, and so on read this book, it'll give them a personal connection to history. It will allow them to step into the characters' shoes and decide on their own how they would handle themselves in racist situations, in result will build character. Definitely a must read.
ReplyDelete