Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

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Though racism seems to be a thing of the past, there is still room for progression in the United States. Having been a country that was widely accepting of the enslavement of African Americans over a century ago, many Americans have not evolved nor turned the page on the subject. Despite the many movements, trials, and acts developed by our society to ensure civil rights to all African Americans, America remains a principally racist country. The only effective way to defeat racism is to not practice or teach what was once taught one hundred years ago. Author Alex Haley is quoted, “Racism is taught in our society, it is not automatic. It is learned behavior toward persons with dissimilar physical characteristics.” If we do not teach our youth of prejudice or hatred towards human beings for something as trivial as differing skin color I believe racism, not only concentrated in the United States, but globally, will diminish. Racism is a targeted issue in Harper Lee’s 1930s-based novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. In Maycomb County, a fictional town in Alabama, it seemed taboo to be antiracist. When a trial involving a black man accused of raping a local white female, eyebrows are raised and tempers take over the town. At this time, it is highly unlikely for a black man to be acquitted of charges even with a substantial amount of evidence to prove him innocent. With little hope, Tom Robinson is defended by Atticus, a local lawyer. Atticus knows nearly immediately that this case will not end in justice due to the color of Tom Robinson’s skin (Lee, 80). The most customary forms of racism are those between the whites and the blacks in the United States. Globalized racism is a major issue addressed currently. Within the past ... ... middle of paper ... ...lemate wars, the nation has evolved drastically. Just over one hundred years ago it was accepted to own many slaves. Today there are many programs, laws, and movements to persuade America and the world to be a better place. Though America remains a silently racist country, we have made many improvements in life. I predict in just ten to twenty years racism will be obsolete. The world changes daily, it is only right that humans evolve also. Works Cited “10 Famous Instances That Prove Racism Still Exists - List Crux." List Crux. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2014. "The American Vision: Modern Times © 2010 Indiana Edition." Chapter Overviews. N.p., n.d. Web. May 2014. Lee, Harper. Introduction. To Kill a Mockingbird. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1960. 80. Print. "TV Guide Magazine Moment 20: The Little Rock Nine." Oprah.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Apr. 2014.

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