Examples Of Injustice In To Kill A Mockingbird

“Opinions founded on prejudice are always to sustained to the greatest violence.” In To Kill a Mockingbird prejudice is a blanket that embraces the town of Maycomb. To Kill a Mockingbird is about two children, Scout and Jem, in which Scout, a little girl, is the narrator. The children learn through many experiences throughout the book about how prejudice overcomes their home, Maycomb. Atticus, their father, who fights the injustice as a lawyer tries to defend an African-American man, Tom Robinson, convicted falsely of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. Throughout the duration of the case, the three, Atticus, Scout and Jem go through harsh circumstances. The children see as prejudice has even influenced the other children of Maycomb as they

bully Scout and Jem at school about her father taking on a case involving an African-American. Also, the children see how prejudice can make even family turn on each other as demonstrated by Francis, a cousin of the children, when he insults Atticus by calling him an n****r lover. The citizens of Maycomb lack what is crucial to defeat the prejudice that is engulfing the county. Individuality. Prejudice is a grey cloud of injustice and individuality is the ray of sunshine that can bring justice to society.
Prejudice is a force of injustice that can influence people to make the wrong choice.

For example, When Scout goes to Finch’s Landing, Francis insults Atticus by saying: “ If uncle Atticus lets you run around with stray dogs, that’s his own business, like Grandma says, soil ain’t your fault if Uncle Atticus is a n****r -lover besides that I’m here to tell you it certainly does mortify, the rest of the family.”(Lee 110) This shows that prejudice against blacks in Maycomb is so strong that even family have turned against atticus for defending Tom, for a young child is even against the blacks. True individuality is shown by Mr. Dolphus Raymond when supports the African-American population when he syas: “Cry about the simple hell people give other people-without even thinking. Cry, about the hell white people give colored folks, without even stopping to think that they’re people too.”(Lee 296) While saying this, it is shown that Mr. Dolphus Raymond is a true individual as he respects the African-Americans as people without having a prejudicial influence. He is a true example of what can be achieved if individuality is shown through a whole community as he lives life the way he wants to without getting caught in the trap that the rest of society is caught in, prejudice. Even though Atticus and Mr. Raymond have different characteristics, they are both heroes as they fight against the prejudice using their

individuality.
Atticus shows Scout that he is a man that will do the right thing no matter what when he tells her: “‘They’re certainly entitled to think that, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions,’ said Atticus, ‘but before I can live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person’s conscience.”(Lee 139-140) Maycomb’s sense of right or wrong differs from Atticus’s beliefs. Maycomb’s sense shows in the case of Tom Robinson’s, there may be a negative result because of Maycomb’s views towards Negroes. In Atticus’s explanation, he believes that by taking the case he is doing the right thing, despite the opposite perspective of Maycomb residents. Individuality is also shown by Miss Maudie when in their conversation jem asks: In the perception of Maycomb citizens, some view the Tom Robinson trial as a major moment for civil rights, while others view the real as an enjoyable event to watch a black be given death sentence. Miss Maudie’s comparison to a Roman Carnival shows that most people in the case feel that it is very trivial matter.(Lee 213) In the perception of Maycomb citizens, some view the Tom Robinson trial as a major moment for civil rights, while others view the real as an enjoyable event to watch a black be given death sentence. Miss Maudie’s comparison to a Roman Carnival shows that most people in the case feel that it is very trivial matter.
Individuality is the ray of sunshine that can break through the dark barrier that prejudice develops over a community. When one brings out their individuality, they can finally see the difference between what is right and wrong. If people just follow what others do without first thinking if what they are doing is right, they will be following a path of injustice. Aticus, Mr. Raymond and Ms. Maudie follow what their heart and see what is right and wrong. Showing individuality can fight back against prejudice. If you opinions are made using only prejudice, their results will end in violence. When one puts his own mind to deciding what is right and wrong, prejudice can be overcome.