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Role Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Decent Essays

Racism is the hatred or intolerance to another race. This usually involves one party believing they are superior to the other and have the right to rule. Maycomb County, Alabama is a town that demonstrates separate is surely not equal. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Harper Lee suggests the evident role race plays in the town. Harper Lee shows her racial views mostly through the Finch family. In the beginning Atticus shows respect to his cook, Calpurnia, treating her as if she were family. Calpurnia plays a major role in Jem and Scout’s young lives. Calpurnia even taught Scout how to write. During the time of Atticus’ leave, Calpurnia even took the kids to her church. Aunt Alexandra looked down upon this thought, but Atticus didn’t seem to be bothered from it. Aunt Alexandra wanted Calpurnia to be fired, but Atticus wouldn’t have it. This shows that Atticus completely trusted Cal. He treats her respectfully and with dignity. Because of Atticus’ view of African Americans, he took on the case of Tom Robinson. Tom Robinson, a black man, was accused of raping a white woman. Mayella Ewell is daughter to one of the trashiest men in Maycomb County. Atticus believed that Tom Robinson deserved a fair trial. He hoped to spark some sort of thought in the all white jury that maybe Tom really wasn’t guilty. All along though Atticus knew there would be no chance in saving Tom, it was a white mans word against a black man. Atticus’ defeat was surely sensed as he left the courtroom. Even though

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