Racism in to Kill a Mockingbird essays

Racism in to Kill a Mockingbird essays Racism is the belief in which ethnic groups account for differences in human character or ability and that a particular race is superior to others. This belief has been a part of the human race ever since people are born, racism is slowly fading, but people cannot that say all do not express it. There are still some who believe ones ethnicity and appearance change everything in that particular person. In Harper Lees novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, the towns people of Maycom misjudge African-Americans. They treat them like trash, and through some peoples eyes, African-Americans are just filthy beings. In this novel, Lee expresses ones ethnicity and appearance change others opinions about a certain character, without knowing the characters personality and beliefs. Tom Robinson, an African-American man, is accused of raping Mayella Ewell; since he is an African-American, he loses the case. Tom is given a defense attorney, Atticus Finch, who is chosen by the judge. Atticus Finch is a white man and he is an experienced lawyer. He tries his best to win Mr. Robinsons case and he proves that Mr. Robinson is not guilty of raping Mayella. Unfortunately, without hearing Mr. Robinsons testimony, he immediately loses the case. After the trial, Mr. Underwood says, Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of mens hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed. (Page. 241) Since Mayella is Caucasian and the fact that her words in the trial are against a black man, the jury instantly believes her statement, though it is a lie. Mayella hesitates answer all the questions Atticus asks her. She is hiding something and is afraid the truth would come out. When Tom is on the witness stand, he answers all of the questions that are asked of him. With...