Blindness of Prejudice – to Kill a Mockingbird

Everyone forms first impressions around others, but to act upon these early impressions as definite conclusions about other citizenrys characters is the beginning of the unfavorable trait of prejudice. In Harper lees story, To Kill a Mockingbird, a young girl, reconnoiter grows up in the small, southern town of Maycomb, Alabama, where prejudice is heavy. Being a secluded community, rumors fly around rapidly in Maycomb, creating warped and exaggerated stories of the targets of the gossip.Harper Lee demonstrates through the causes and sources of the disparity that prejudice is derived from appearances as well as influences from other people. Harper Lee uses Jems prejudice toward his neighbor, Boo Radley to illustrate that discrimination branches sullen of other peoples opinions. spy discovers two pieces of chewing gum in an oak tree on the Radley lot one day, while approach path home from school. When her brother, Jem realizes where she obtained her prize, he screams, Dont you know youre not supposed to even touch the trees over there?Youll get killed if you do (45). Jems prejudice toward Boo is based on the rumors, stories, and opinions he has heard from other citizens of Maycomb. Despite the fact that he has never seen, let alone met, their reclusive neighbor, Jem compose speaks badly of Boo. He discriminates against Boo because of what he has heard, rather than what he has experienced personally. In addition, Harper Lee reveals through the white instrument panels discrimination toward Tom Robinson, a poor, crippled black man, that appearances are a major factor contributing toward prejudice.While sitting in the courtroom, during Tom Robinsons trial, Scout observes the jury and realizes that All Mr. Ewell had that made him better than his nearest neighbors was his skin was white (229). Race and skin color are huge contributors to prejudice in Maycomb. Black people are considered to be of lesser value than white people. Despite the fact that the Ewell s live under terrible conditions and have no manners or morals, they put away manage to receive much more respect than any black person would warrant. Similarly, Lee demonstrates racism based on first impressions through Lulas ignorant ideas of Jem and Scout.Calpurnia, their black maid, decides to bring Jem and Scout to the black church one day, where they are met by Lula, a black woman, who angrily declares, You aint got no business bringin white chillun here they got their church, we got ourn (158). Lulas views of white people are similar to the views white people have of black people. She is discriminating against Jem and Scout due to their appearances and skin color. Her ignorance creates a rift right away between her and the two children before she allows herself to know them better personally.By emphasizing the reasoning of those who are disfavour toward others, Harper Lee ultimately reveals that prejudice is motivated by not only appearances but also opinions absorbed from other people. Throughout the novel, there was not a single circumstance where a person discriminated against another because of what they had seen or experienced. All cases of injustice were derived from at least one of many things first impressions, personal features, rumors, etc. Lees morals leave a lasting impact on the readers. Prejudice will only end when people degree themselves from acting upon their pre-formed ideas of others.