1. What can we learn about nonviolent social change from this book? The roles Atticus Finch takes on as peace mediator and advocate demonstrate what is vital in promoting nonviolence and social change, especially when there is no one else to lead by example. Atticus is an example of an agent for social change, and a leader who actively acknowledges the power imbalance between oppressors and oppressed. In his role as a benefactor he acknowledges his privilege, and attempts to create reparations through nonviolent social change. For instance, in taking on Tom Robinson’s case he creates a lot of community tensions and receives criticism from members within the Maycomb community. Mrs. DuBose would yell at Jem and Scout, and make degrading remarks
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This is evident when, “Mr. Ewell cursed at him, spat [in] his face, and threatened to kill him”(p. 217). However, despite the consequences Atticus and his children faced in his efforts of nonviolent social change, he remained relentless in pursuing nonviolence. When Scout gets into fights at school with other children who talk bad about her father, she resorts to fighting. Atticus uses these opportunities to explain principles of nonviolent social change as being educated, demonstrating forgiveness, and acceptance. Part of creating nonviolent social change, as Miss Maudie explains to Jem and Scout is “[taking] on the jobs no one else wants to do” (p. 215), such as Atticus shooting the mad dog, or taking on Tom Robinson’s case. These examples of Atticus’ behavior demonstrate that actions of nonviolence speak louder than any violent actions and can leave a lasting …show more content…
It is a system that exclusively benefits the oppressors, not the oppressed, making it an immoral system of public policy. This book demonstrates that public policy reflects society’s stance on a certain issue, through public opinion or indifference. Although Atticus demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that Tom had not harmed Mayella Ewell in any way, the jury still found him guilty, due to their pre-conceived notions of the character of African Americans. When Scout mentions the four types of people in the world, she refers to established racial and economic hierarchies, where African Americans are at the bottom of the ranking (p. 226). During the trial Atticus reminds the jury that the law is the “great leveler”, that the courtroom is the one place where all men are created equal (p. 205). This is clearly not so judging by the treatment of women, African Americans, and the
This is evident when, “Mr. Ewell cursed at him, spat [in] his face, and threatened to kill him”(p. 217). However, despite the consequences Atticus and his children faced in his efforts of nonviolent social change, he remained relentless in pursuing nonviolence. When Scout gets into fights at school with other children who talk bad about her father, she resorts to fighting. Atticus uses these opportunities to explain principles of nonviolent social change as being educated, demonstrating forgiveness, and acceptance. Part of creating nonviolent social change, as Miss Maudie explains to Jem and Scout is “[taking] on the jobs no one else wants to do” (p. 215), such as Atticus shooting the mad dog, or taking on Tom Robinson’s case. These examples of Atticus’ behavior demonstrate that actions of nonviolence speak louder than any violent actions and can leave a lasting …show more content…
It is a system that exclusively benefits the oppressors, not the oppressed, making it an immoral system of public policy. This book demonstrates that public policy reflects society’s stance on a certain issue, through public opinion or indifference. Although Atticus demonstrated beyond a reasonable doubt that Tom had not harmed Mayella Ewell in any way, the jury still found him guilty, due to their pre-conceived notions of the character of African Americans. When Scout mentions the four types of people in the world, she refers to established racial and economic hierarchies, where African Americans are at the bottom of the ranking (p. 226). During the trial Atticus reminds the jury that the law is the “great leveler”, that the courtroom is the one place where all men are created equal (p. 205). This is clearly not so judging by the treatment of women, African Americans, and the