Racism can come in many forms such as active violence or prejudice, and it can result in disruption of social values. Racism is able to corrupt a town, which is evident within the court scene of Tom Robinson. Rumours and gossip were exchanged throughout Maycomb County, and one such comment was: “typical of a nigger’s mentality to have no plan, no thought for the future, just run blind first chance he saw. [265]” In this quotation, the word “typical” is implying that all black people have a lower intelligence level than white people. Racism can also draw out the worst in many, while it can also bring out the darkness in people’s hearts. As Atticus states: “a place where a man ought to get a square deal is in a courtroom, be he any colour of the rainbow. People have a way of carrying their resentments right into a jury box. [243]” The quote explains that even the justice system can be influenced by racism. The concept of racism is further explored when part of the town acts unfriendly towards Atticus, because he defended Tom Robinson and was a “nigger – lovin’ bastard. [240]” The depiction of the men in workmen clothes also symbolises the rough nature of the citizens in which they think that black people are a hindrance to society, and serves to further emphasise their lack of understanding of racism. Racial discrimination also took place inside family households as shown when Aunt Alexandra tried to rid the family of Calpurnia, simply because “we don’t need her now. [150]” It was previously understood that Alexandra got angry when Scout retold Atticus of how she went to Calpurnia’s church.
The Essay on Lower Class Maycomb People Atticus
... nigger-lover Atticus wisely explains to his Scout what a nigger lover is ignorant and trashy people use it ... set in 1935, a period where prejudice and racism were encountered in everyday life. The small country ... of Negroes through violence, even willing to hurt Atticus in order to carry out the punishment in ... But many of the folks were displeased that Atticus wanted to defend a black trash man but ...
