Social Blindness
America is bombarded with problems of all natures, some are small insignificant while others are large and nationwide, and with the constant surfacing of issues is it right to simply ignore them and move on? Some people say that ignorance is bliss however in reality people who support this are just opening the door wider for more blindness to enter. If people continue to follow others blindly, close themselves off from differing views, keep their head turned from everyday struggles and ignore the options to start a change then there is no hope to diminish social blindness.
Some people say that watching and repeating others actions is great way to learn, and while this may be true in some cases it is the least helpful thing …show more content…
During the trial of Tom Robinson in the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” Judge Taylor says, “people generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for” (Lee 257). By not listening to other sides of the story people deepen their belief that they are right. This is seen when the circle ladies are discussing racial matters and Mrs. Merryweather says, “Hypocrites, Mrs. “”Perkins, born hypocrites,” Mrs. Merryweather was saying. “At least we don’t have that sin on our shoulders down here.’” (Lee 313). By calling others hypocrites and proclaiming Maycomb free of sin she is ultimately showing her social blindness to the situation caused by her views of herself and Maycomb.
As a result of tuning out others opinions people begin to build a mental wall that becomes almost impossible to break down. This wall blinds people of seeing the issue until it is put on a silver platter and given to them. An example of this is perfectly written in the book “Lynchings in Duluth” when Fedo says:
Not until all of America became glued to the Evening News that depicted civil …show more content…
An action as small as briefly questioning something you disagree with is the spark of change that can set off a chain reaction. By teaching his children that, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 39) Atticus is raising them to recognise social blindness. Even though Jem and Scout are only two children they now have potential to influence many more people simply because of how they were raised. Another sign of hope is the simple fact that at least one of the students of the Charleston high school made the statement, “They can't think of a reason to hate us, because you take away our color, we all the same” (Prom Night n. pag.). By plainly recognising the issue that is plaguing the high school the student is part of the tinder that gets the fire of change
America is bombarded with problems of all natures, some are small insignificant while others are large and nationwide, and with the constant surfacing of issues is it right to simply ignore them and move on? Some people say that ignorance is bliss however in reality people who support this are just opening the door wider for more blindness to enter. If people continue to follow others blindly, close themselves off from differing views, keep their head turned from everyday struggles and ignore the options to start a change then there is no hope to diminish social blindness.
Some people say that watching and repeating others actions is great way to learn, and while this may be true in some cases it is the least helpful thing …show more content…
During the trial of Tom Robinson in the book “To Kill a Mockingbird” Judge Taylor says, “people generally see what they look for and hear what they listen for” (Lee 257). By not listening to other sides of the story people deepen their belief that they are right. This is seen when the circle ladies are discussing racial matters and Mrs. Merryweather says, “Hypocrites, Mrs. “”Perkins, born hypocrites,” Mrs. Merryweather was saying. “At least we don’t have that sin on our shoulders down here.’” (Lee 313). By calling others hypocrites and proclaiming Maycomb free of sin she is ultimately showing her social blindness to the situation caused by her views of herself and Maycomb.
As a result of tuning out others opinions people begin to build a mental wall that becomes almost impossible to break down. This wall blinds people of seeing the issue until it is put on a silver platter and given to them. An example of this is perfectly written in the book “Lynchings in Duluth” when Fedo says:
Not until all of America became glued to the Evening News that depicted civil …show more content…
An action as small as briefly questioning something you disagree with is the spark of change that can set off a chain reaction. By teaching his children that, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view … until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee 39) Atticus is raising them to recognise social blindness. Even though Jem and Scout are only two children they now have potential to influence many more people simply because of how they were raised. Another sign of hope is the simple fact that at least one of the students of the Charleston high school made the statement, “They can't think of a reason to hate us, because you take away our color, we all the same” (Prom Night n. pag.). By plainly recognising the issue that is plaguing the high school the student is part of the tinder that gets the fire of change