Social injustice is often a major factor in the lives of individuals. It’s a result of the perceptions authorities have created about inferiors. They also create a lack or morality, and can provide valuable experiences. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, a bildungsroman based primarily in the southern states in America, illustrates the impact of systemic racism on society by examining how violence is sparked, relationships are compromised, and individuals have equal rights. The novel also explores the way in which individuals, particularly juveniles, can develop empathy and bravery through their experience of a lack of morality and ethics. To Kill a Mockingbird shows the negative effects of social injustice through racism and a lack of morality.

To Kill a Mockingbird reveals the racism that is systemic in Maycomb and the violence it causes towards African Americans. The novel is set around 1930, when Jim Crow and Ku Klux Klan laws reinforced the general perception of African Americans being of a lesser class. This was due to their history of slavery. Atticus’ fear of mob violence, and his relationship with an African American has affected his ability to be approachable and likeable. It is clear from Mrs Dubose’s derogatory remarks towards Atticus that “Your dad’s no different than the niggers or trash he’s working for!” how the hatred toward Atticus was a result of the beliefs and attitudes of the day. In the end, the southern state’s dehumanizing attitude towards African Americans led the discriminatory Tom Robinson trial. Tom Robinson’s death is compared with the slaughter of songbirds by hunters. This simile shows that the Maycomb communities racial prejudgment has resulted in an ill-founded decision which ultimately led to Tom Robinson being killed. To Kill a Mockingbird explores racism’s violence through the lives of its characters. It shows the impact of social injustice.

Lee explores the way in which the absence of morality, ethics and values in the society can lead to individuals developing empathy and courage. This can be compared with the Scotsborro scandal of 1931 in which two white woman falsely accused nine African American teenage girls of rape. They influenced public opinion and individual perceptions, similar to Tom Robinson’s case. The novel explores the way Scout’s story is interwoven with the Tom Robinson and Radley cases, which helps her develop empathy and courage. Scout’s first impression of Boo Radley is that he is a vile man. Scout feels tempted to fight Cecil Jacobs when she encounters racism at school. She refrains however from instigating any violence. This was the first fight I had ever left. She shows courage in her decision to walk away. Scout’s bravery in standing up to the lynch mob, which she did with ease, is also highlighted by the novel. Scout displays empathy towards Boo as she thinks back on her meeting with Boo. This metaphor shows the reader Scout’s empathy, as she learns about Boo Radley’s life and how it contradicts the views of society. To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrates how Boo and Tom Robinson’s exclusion from a society that is socially inequitable allows Scout to gain empathy and courage.

To Kill a Mockingbird (60), a novel by Harper Lee, shows the effect of social injustices on individuals. The book explores how racial bias in southern states in America creates violence as well as unequal treatment and relationships. The novel shows how Scout’s experience with social injustice allows her to learn and grow.

elliotjones

Elliot Jones is a 29-year-old middle school teacher and blogger. He has been writing since he was a teenager, and his writings have been featured on various websites and in magazines. He enjoys writing about education, parenting, and lifestyle topics.