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  • Essay / The racist American society exposed in To Kill a...

    During the Great Depression, racism was a common practice in the southern states of the United States. Black people and those who opposed intolerance were often discriminated against by the rest of the biased and ignorant society, which believed in white supremacy and superiority over other races. Maycomb, a racist town, exemplifies this discrimination, imperiously judging those they see as different from themselves. In To Kill a Mockingbird, author Harper Lee weaves a brilliant story of prejudice, discrimination, and racism illustrated through the novel's various characters and events, producing a mirror reflection of the racist American society of the 1930s. Lafayette Dubose, a longtime morphine addict, is one of many characters who believe in the superiority of white citizens over blacks living in the Neighborhoods. She is presented as a critical woman who “kept a CSA pistol hidden among her many shawls and scarves” (Lee 132). During her introduction, Ms. Dubose is portrayed as a CSA supporter through her possession of a Confederate pistol. During the American Civil War, the CSA strongly believed in white supremacy and legal slavery. This shows that she is a dedicated supremacist. By portraying Dubose as a believer in the CSA and the repression of black people, readers understand that her beliefs are discriminatory and reflective of Maycomb's racist culture. In another instance, while talking to Jem, she hurls discriminatory criticism at Atticus and the children, telling Jem, "Your father is no better than the niggers and trash he works for" (Lee 135) . This indicates that those who held beliefs opposed to common society were also considered inferior. Dubose's assertion clarifies why so many townspeople judge Atticus, ca...... middle of paper...... perpetual loss of purity. Racism is pervasive throughout the town of Maycomb, Alabama, with almost the entire population practicing injustice. . These racist acts are apparent in To Kill a Mockingbird through the characters of Bob Ewell and Mrs. Dubose, as well as the jury in Tom Robinson's case. They dehumanize black people with arrogance and ignorance, believing them to be superior because of their skin color. Even though it is an immoral act, society is segregated based on skin color and the population is forced to agree or disagree with this prejudice. In conclusion, racism is a major factor closely related to the novel, and it is executed excessively even though it is known to be wrong; however, it will not be changed for fear of being judged or separated. Works Cited Lee, Harper. To kill a mockingbird. New York: Grand Central, 1960. Print.