Racism in To Kill a Mockingbird Essay

To Kill a Mocking Bird

There is only one race, the human race. No one should be hated on for the colour of skin they were born with. Throughout the novel To Kill a Mocking Bird by Harper Lee we are shown a small happy southern town at first and then we are shown the horrible things that racism can cause. The story was set in 1935 a time when racism was seen in everyday life. The story is shown through the eyes of Scout and Jem Fintch who are both growing up with the debate that involves her fathers Atticus Fitches lawsuit. Her father is a white man defending a black man by the name of Tom Robinson who is accused of raping a white girl. Racism plays a huge factor on the lives of these characters living in the town of Maycome.

For the African Americans living in Maycome county it was much different then the whites. Black and whites were completely segregated. The African Americans lived in the outskirts of the town called the the Quarters, they had their own balcony in the courthouse called the coloured balcony , they had different schools as well as churches. The white people didnt really have a lot of respect of the coloured and the first time I really began to notice and feel the lack of respect was when Aunt Alexandra who is Atticus sister was introduced in the novel. She was brought into the Fintchs house help and shape scout into becoming more lady-like.

On her arrival the first thing Aunt Alexandra said was "Put my bag in the front bedroom, Caplurnia." (Lee 127). The tone of her voice sounded very demanding a thank you nor a please leaves her mouth. Also in chapter 14 Aunt Alexandra has a little talk with her brother about Calpurina and how she wants her out. Aunt Alexandra was talking to Aticus she stated,

You've got to do something about her. You've let things go on too long (...) I dont see any harm in letting her go out there () you have a daughter to think of. A daughter whos growing up () don't try and get around it. You've got to face it sooner or later and it might as well be tonight. We don't need her now (136/137)

Aunt Alexandra doesnt want the kids growing up with a black lady, because they need a more positive role model, and by positive she meant not by a black lady. Calprunia is more then there maid, to me shes like a mother figure to them. She cares of Jem and Scout like a mother would, as well as disciplines them when they are misbehaving. When I visited India for the first time in 2006 I really got to witness what it was like having maids. At my grandparents house we have two maids, Savi who is 20 helps my grandmother cook while Geeta age 18 does the housework. I stayed in India for three months and my relationship was nothing like Scout and Jems relationship with Calpurnia. Now I wonder if I had opened up to them more would my experience be different?