The Pain of Prejudice Every person in America has experienced prejudice throughout their lifetime. Whether receiving prejudice or being prejudiced towards others, it seems to be an inescapable dispute, and many believe it is simply human nature. Although discriminating against people because of circumstances they cannot control seems unjust, it is alarmingly common in today’s society. It has not only been an issue in modern society, but also for many generations in the past. This controversial issue is a major theme in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. To Kill a Mockingbird demonstrates the evils of different kinds of prejudice, such as racism, sexism, and ageism, in a 1930’s southern society and correlates with the harsh impact past prejudices
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Although this form of prejudice was not quite as impactful or obtrusive in To Kill a Mockingbird, sexism has grown into a highly controversial issue in modern society. Women are constantly shown as incapable compared to men. Men have always been given more rights at an earlier time than women, such as voting, playing sports, and working in certain career fields. Men also receive better pay for the same work as women, are given more opportunities, and seem to share the belief that it is a woman’s responsibility to service a man’s needs. Many women agreed with these views in the 1930’s. Aunt Alexandra refused to let Scout wear her overalls and frequently reprimanded her for her unladylike behavior. Women are expected to look, dress, and act a certain way and are usually shamed if they do otherwise, while men are not held to the same standard. When Scout questions Miss Maudie about the ways of “foot-washing” baptists, Maudie tells her, “Foot-washers think women are sin by definition.” Some religions, especially in the middle east, give women no natural rights and consider them only a burden. This idea that women are or deserve less than men has restricted our society from advancing to better things formed from the ideas and labor of women. Because of this increasing presence of sexism, feminists have begun to fight for the rights women deserve, propelling society towards a more equal …show more content…
It is uncommon for a people to truly consider the views of someone younger than them, due to their supercilious attitudes. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, the adults are frequently holding information back from the children, like Reverend Sykes at the trial and Aunt Alexandra while discussing social issues with Atticus. Even Jem stopped spending time with Scout because he was growing closer to adulthood and inheriting the belief that she is inferior to him. Today, children and their opinions are often dismissed because adults believe their ideas are far superior. Children may not have the experience or maturity of an adult, but their views on life are often insightful and creative. Scout’s opinions were usually ignored, but reading her views in the novel now, in current society, her ideas make a great deal of sense. Persuading the lynch mob away with her words, her kindness to those like Walter Cunningham, and her opinion on the prejudice occurring in Germany all show the powerful impact young people can have. Children are not the only ones discriminated against due to their age. In modern day America, many elderly adults are considered incompetent in workplaces, are denied necessities such as insurance, and are simply overlooked by those of a younger age. People of all ages contribute greatly to the future of
Although this form of prejudice was not quite as impactful or obtrusive in To Kill a Mockingbird, sexism has grown into a highly controversial issue in modern society. Women are constantly shown as incapable compared to men. Men have always been given more rights at an earlier time than women, such as voting, playing sports, and working in certain career fields. Men also receive better pay for the same work as women, are given more opportunities, and seem to share the belief that it is a woman’s responsibility to service a man’s needs. Many women agreed with these views in the 1930’s. Aunt Alexandra refused to let Scout wear her overalls and frequently reprimanded her for her unladylike behavior. Women are expected to look, dress, and act a certain way and are usually shamed if they do otherwise, while men are not held to the same standard. When Scout questions Miss Maudie about the ways of “foot-washing” baptists, Maudie tells her, “Foot-washers think women are sin by definition.” Some religions, especially in the middle east, give women no natural rights and consider them only a burden. This idea that women are or deserve less than men has restricted our society from advancing to better things formed from the ideas and labor of women. Because of this increasing presence of sexism, feminists have begun to fight for the rights women deserve, propelling society towards a more equal …show more content…
It is uncommon for a people to truly consider the views of someone younger than them, due to their supercilious attitudes. Throughout To Kill a Mockingbird, the adults are frequently holding information back from the children, like Reverend Sykes at the trial and Aunt Alexandra while discussing social issues with Atticus. Even Jem stopped spending time with Scout because he was growing closer to adulthood and inheriting the belief that she is inferior to him. Today, children and their opinions are often dismissed because adults believe their ideas are far superior. Children may not have the experience or maturity of an adult, but their views on life are often insightful and creative. Scout’s opinions were usually ignored, but reading her views in the novel now, in current society, her ideas make a great deal of sense. Persuading the lynch mob away with her words, her kindness to those like Walter Cunningham, and her opinion on the prejudice occurring in Germany all show the powerful impact young people can have. Children are not the only ones discriminated against due to their age. In modern day America, many elderly adults are considered incompetent in workplaces, are denied necessities such as insurance, and are simply overlooked by those of a younger age. People of all ages contribute greatly to the future of