Throughout history, many individuals have stood up against civil rights, namely racial discrimination, creating changes that still affect society today. Some examples from American history are Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, and Rosa Parks. They have helped society take huge steps towards eliminating racial discrimination in America. Similarly, characters from To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee aim to do the same. Atticus Finch, arguably one of the best role models in literature history, works hard as a lawyer to defend an African-American, Tom Robinson, despite his destiny to lose the trial due to discrimination. Link Deas, a supporter to the Robinsons throughout this novel and a close acquaintance of Atticus, stands up for Tom during
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However, she chooses to fight against them and stay, proving that mixing two races together will cause no harm. Overall, through each character’s hard work, dedication, and actions, they have the power to help their community take steps forward to eliminate racial discrimination.
Tom Robinson is charged with sexual assault and led to court after being accused of raping Mayella Ewell. However, as the trial later proves, Tom is completely innocent of this sin and it is Mayella, the young white lady, who is guilty of wanting and initiating sexual desires. In the time period To Kill a Mockingbird was written, Tom Robinson has no chance of winning the case because of racial discrimination, but Atticus Finch still decides to defend him knowing these odds beforehand. Not only does Atticus take this case though, he defends Tom to the best of his abilities. During his time to speak for Tom Robinson, Atticus cleverly states “You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women—black or white.” (Lee 232). He very accurately explains that though African-Americans have …show more content…
One scenario from To Kill a Mockingbird that demonstrates this is when she decides to take the two children to her African-American church one Sunday morning. However, at this church, Scout and Jem are considered the minority, causing regular members to protest against their arrival, in particular, Lula. She says, “... bringin’ white chillun here - they got their church, we out our’n.” Calpurnia argues back replying, “ It’s the same God, ain’t it?” (Lee 136) and decides to attend the service with Jem and Scout despite Lula’s disapproval. This act of bravery shows her standing up to racial discrimination, not willing to back down. This helps the children take a step forward in understanding acceptance regarding racism as one’s skin colour should not determine where an individual is allowed or not allowed to be. In real life, Rosa Parks, an African-American civil rights activist, fought for the same right. She famously refused to give up her seat on the bus one day so a white man could take her place and was arrested for civil disobedience as a result. Thankfully, good did come out of this act of bravery that was only “...meant to spark a grassroots movement, succeeded in catalyzing the Montgomery bus boycott.” (The Tavaana Team) After a 13 month long protest, the U.S supreme finally ruled that discrimination on public buses would no longer be allowed.
However, she chooses to fight against them and stay, proving that mixing two races together will cause no harm. Overall, through each character’s hard work, dedication, and actions, they have the power to help their community take steps forward to eliminate racial discrimination.
Tom Robinson is charged with sexual assault and led to court after being accused of raping Mayella Ewell. However, as the trial later proves, Tom is completely innocent of this sin and it is Mayella, the young white lady, who is guilty of wanting and initiating sexual desires. In the time period To Kill a Mockingbird was written, Tom Robinson has no chance of winning the case because of racial discrimination, but Atticus Finch still decides to defend him knowing these odds beforehand. Not only does Atticus take this case though, he defends Tom to the best of his abilities. During his time to speak for Tom Robinson, Atticus cleverly states “You know the truth, and the truth is this: some Negroes lie, some Negroes are immoral, some Negro men are not to be trusted around women—black or white.” (Lee 232). He very accurately explains that though African-Americans have …show more content…
One scenario from To Kill a Mockingbird that demonstrates this is when she decides to take the two children to her African-American church one Sunday morning. However, at this church, Scout and Jem are considered the minority, causing regular members to protest against their arrival, in particular, Lula. She says, “... bringin’ white chillun here - they got their church, we out our’n.” Calpurnia argues back replying, “ It’s the same God, ain’t it?” (Lee 136) and decides to attend the service with Jem and Scout despite Lula’s disapproval. This act of bravery shows her standing up to racial discrimination, not willing to back down. This helps the children take a step forward in understanding acceptance regarding racism as one’s skin colour should not determine where an individual is allowed or not allowed to be. In real life, Rosa Parks, an African-American civil rights activist, fought for the same right. She famously refused to give up her seat on the bus one day so a white man could take her place and was arrested for civil disobedience as a result. Thankfully, good did come out of this act of bravery that was only “...meant to spark a grassroots movement, succeeded in catalyzing the Montgomery bus boycott.” (The Tavaana Team) After a 13 month long protest, the U.S supreme finally ruled that discrimination on public buses would no longer be allowed.