Prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird essays

Prejudice in To Kill A Mockingbird essays The book "To Kill a Mockingbird" tells of many good examples of prejudice toward African-Americans and people they're associated with. During the trial, the town people, family members, and friends show prejudice toward Atticus for defending Tom, and toward Tom for just being an African-American. The people of Maycomb frowned upon Mr. Dolphus Raymond because of the way he chose to live his life. During the trial, the African-Americans were required to sit in the balcony of the courtroom, completely separated from the Caucasians. Prejudice was not only shown toward the African-Americans, it was also shown toward Atticus. Atticus, a lawyer in Maycomb was respected by almost the whole town. Unable to follow the town's racial prejudice, Atticus agreed to defend Tom Robinson, an African-American accused of rape. This is the point at which he loses his respect from his town people, friends, and even family members. Atticus tried to do his job well, knowing that he would probably lose the case, just because of Tom's race. Atticus encouraged Tom not to give up his hopes. He was committed to his job, despite other's thoughts and opinions. Miss Stephanie Crawford, otherwise thought of as the rumor mill, passed cheap remarks concerning Atticus. Even Walter Cunningham, considered a friend by Scout, tries to harm Atticus. Not only were African-American's called "nigger's", but anyone associated with them were called "nigger lovers" Scout's cousin, Francis ran around yelling, "He's nothin' but a nigger lover!" ("To Kill a Mockingbird", Lee, 83) Aunt Alexandra felt Atticus was becoming a disgrace to their family for defending Tom. Atticus, still being the respectable parent that he was, urged his children to "climb into his skin and walk around in it" before they judge or criticize others. ("To Kill a Mockingbird", Lee, 30) Mrs. Dubose told the children Your fathers no better than the niggers and trash he works for&...