Knowledge Vs Ignorance In To Kill A Mockingbird

“But in the view of the Constitution, in the eye of the law, there is in this country no superior, dominant ruling class of citizens.” (the last article fix). Our society has so much discrimination in it, yet our constitution says everyone, male or female, whatever their color, are equal. In Harper Lee’s Novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, three children, Scout Jem, and Dill, live life in Maycomb County, Alabama, noticing every detail. They know everyone in town, and everyone knows them. When Tom Robinson allegedly rapes Mayella Ewell, the town uproars. Scout, Jem, and Dill witness the trail and racism is obviously major part in decision making by the jury. The children are forced to know about discrimination by their environment, their father, and

Jem sees and learns when Mr. Radley shoots at him, and assumes he is a negro. “‘Mr. Radley shot at a negro in his collard patch’” (Lee 54). Jem sees the assumptions made by people who are racist and he learns that these assumptions can be made in almost every situation. When Mr. Radley shoots at a ‘negro’ Jem realizes not only that he could’ve been killed, but he would’ve been killed by a racist who didn’t take the time to investigate the situation. Jem chooses ignorance when he says a sexist remark to Scout. “‘Scout, I’m tellin’ you for the last time, shut your trap or go home- I declare to the Lord you’re gettin’ more like a girl everyday!’” (Lee 51-52). Women are just as equal as men, so when Jem makes her feel awful because she doesn’t want to fit the usual image of the women, she wants to be as ‘powerful’ as men are. Scout wants to be recognized as the individual she is. An article tells us that everyone is equal. “The thin disguise of ‘equal’ accommodations… will not mislead anyone, nor atone for the wrong this day done” (last article fix). This article shows that even though we are all equal, the majority of people don’t realize the impact of inequality. Jem shows the theme knowledge versus ignorance when he chooses to learn in the situation of Mr. Radley shooting at him, and also when he makes a sexist remark. In both situations, he learns, even though he chooses ignorance in one situation. In every situation, Jem learns, even though he might not be making the best