Atticus And Racism

Think about how many black people got prosecuted for acts they did not perform. It just doesn’t seem right. In the old days of the South, racism was a quite common and usual idea. There were few that recognized the unjustified flaw in this idea; Atticus was a character in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee who is a good single father. In these days of the South many people are racist and their kids started to become racist as well; however, Atticus strives to teach his kids differently. Atticus is good parent because he steered his children on the morally correct behavior which was hard during that time, down south, he sets an example in front of his children, when he unsuccessfully defends an innocent black man, and cares about his children. …show more content…
For example, when Atticus scolds Scout about using the the “N” word and how common it is and how everyone at school uses it. It can be inferred that Atticus doesn't want his kids to use the “N” word and wants to steer them away from the bad. Furthermore, Atticus never gave up on his children; even though, it was hard to steer his children away from the bad at the time. Atticus lets Scout overhear his discussion with Jack about Tom Robinson in order to let her know the real reason he has taken the Tom Robinson case. In the book it says, "... do you think I could face my children otherwise?... I just hope that Jem and Scout come to me for their answers instead of listening to the town. I hope they trust me enough." In this quote it can be inferred that Atticus wants to gain his kids trust and wants them to come to him for answers instead of the town. He also wants his kids to be different and not follow others. Also, Atticus treats his children with respect and affection to gain their trust. Furthermore, Atticus also explains how a white man’s nobility is meaningless, if he mistreats black people. In the book Atticus tells Scout, "As you grow older, you'll see white men cheat black men every day of your life, but let me tell you something and don't you forget it—whenever a white man does that to a black man, no matter who he is, how rich he is, or how fine a family he comes from, …show more content…
Atticus sets a good example to Scout and Jem because he believes everyone is equal and; therefore, Tom Robinson is black, it doesn't mean he can't defend him. For example, Atticus tells Scout many times that if he didn't defend Tom Robinson he wouldn't tell Jem or Scout not to do something. He has to set a good example for his children and if he expects them to do something or follow certain values, then he must display them first. In the book Atticus says, "The main one is, if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell you or Jem not to do something again.” This quote proves that whatever Scout or Jem believe in they have to stand up for it. Atticus expects his children to stand up for what they believe in, and he does the same himself. He does not feel that he can tell them one thing and do another. Finally, Atticus is always guiding Jem and Scout with advice so that they will become more compassionate people. Atticus sets a good example for the children when Mr. Ewell confronts him. Even though he is provoked and insulted, Atticus simply has a “peaceful reaction”. This shows the children never to get into fights with people when they are upset about something. All in all, Atticus shows children about courage and all the forms it appears in and is a good role model