Maycomb’s madness of Racism, in to Kill a Mockingbird

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Every town has problems and the town of Maycomb from the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee is no different. Maycomb citizens are put forth with social problems created from racism. As a result of racism, physical abuse was plentiful in the town of Maycomb. The citizens of Maycomb were caught up in a cycle of racial discrimination, proving that racism does not benefit anyone.
The citizens of Maycomb deal with many social issues due to the conflict of racism. Social out casting is a result of racism. This can be proven when Jem says, “They don’t belong anywhere. Coloured folks won’t have ‘em because they’re half white, white folks won’t have ‘em ‘cause they’re coloured, so they’re just in between, don’t belong anywhere. “(Harper Lee, page 161). The mixed children of Mr. Raymond are socially out casted from the whole town, as no one wants to be with them, both races find them a disgrace to their own race. These children have got no one, but themselves to be with and this is not fair because these children could be just as capable as any other child. This shows Maycomb’s disregard to equality. Moreover, children’s minds are often diluted with confusion because of the prejudice acts of racism. Dill is an innocent child who is also put through this confusion as he says, “That old Mr. Gilmer doin’ him thataway, talking so hateful to him….It was the way he said it made me sick, plain sick” ( Harper Lee, page 198) The adults in Maycomb are unfortunately diverting Dill’s mind. Dill being too young to understand the people of Maycomb, realizes that being racist is unfair. In addition, verbal aggression creates tension between many citizens of Maycomb. Tension is built through, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here...

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...the legs Mr. Finch’”. (Harper Lee, page 193) Tom being the colour he is cannot stand up for himself to prove his innocence, as no one would believe him. Mayella assaulted Tom and the blamed him for assaulting her. Mayella targeted Tom because she knew he was defenseless and could not do anything. The reality of Maycomb’s racism just shows that all the citizens are not happy with the results of racism.
Racism in Maycomb results in nothing but negative results proving to us that racism cannot benefit anyone. Maycomb citizens have to fight against all social problems that are created from racism. The citizens of Maycomb are also physically assaulted from racial discrimination. Racism is an pointless problem that is caused by prejudice thoughts and it can be controlled by everyone

Works Cited

Lee, Harper. To kill a mockingbird. New York: Warner Books , 1960. Print.

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