How Is Racism Used In To Kill A Mockingbird

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In To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Jem and Scout’s choice to stay was positive. Not only did they identify racism, they also met Dolphus Raymond and mixed children. The biggest evidence towards children not being able to attend the trial is that rape is too sensitive for children, however, no specific details were mentioned. As a matter of fact is the word “rape” is never used throughout the entire trial. Also, all of Mayella’s details were vague and not convincing. For example, racism was identified as bad during the trial. The children were able to see the difference in treatment to Mayella and Tom. Whenever Mayella spoke they were attentively listening and being respectful, but when Tom spoke there was only ridicule. Such as, when …show more content…

Also, Mr. Gilmer’s and Bob Ewell’s treatment to Tom blatantly showed hatred through race, to the point to make Dill cry. Scout trying to comfort Dill states “ Well, Dill, after all, he's just a Negro”. To which Dill responds, “I don't care one speck. It ain't right, somehow it ain't right to do ‘em that way. Hasn't anyone got business talkin’ like that- it makes me sick.”(Lee 199) This opens Scout’s eyes to the truth that it is not right even though Tom is black. Another, is that because they attended the trial they were able to meet Dolphus Raymond, the town’s pseudo-Drunk. Upon meeting him, Scout was able to meet the only person in all of Maycomb that coexists with the black community. His ideals are that there is no difference between black men and white men. He also helps the children understand the circumstances of his own children, who are mixed. When describing mixed children, Jem states, “Colored folks won't have ‘em because they're half white; white folks won't have ‘em because they're colored…” (Lee 161) This description showed them how racism is a double-edged sword. Meaning that racism is something that both the persecutor and the persecuted

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