Prejudice Tones in to Kill a Mockingbird

There is a long history of prejudice toward African Americans starting with the slave trade. In the 1930’s, segregation was the law in the South. So prejudice was not only the acceptable behavior but allowed by the government. In 1964, the Civil Rights Act was passed to end this type of institutional segregation. However, prejudice continued in America. Today it is still an issue that is prominent. American has been working to end discrimination for years starting with the underground rail road to free slaves. Prejudice is an important issue because reflecting on past behaviors may stop them from being repeated. It is difficult to look at the horrible prejudice of the past. To Kill a Mockingbird helps people to reflect on this past and to learn from these mistakes. The humor in the book makes reflection easier. There are many examples of segregation and prejudice treatment to Africa Americans in this book. This book discusses not only the legal segregation but prejudice in the form of bi racial children, racial slurs, prejudice against women, and the general attitude that White people are smarter and better.

One example of prejudice is the relationship of Calpurnia to the Finch family. This is a contradiction of the theme of Atticus being brave for standing up to discrimination. Calpurnia is loved by the family but she is not their equal. Calpurnia calls Scout ma'am and Jem sir. These are titles used for older people. "’Hush your mouth, sir! When you oughta be hangin' your head in shame you go along laughin'’.” (277-278) When Atticus takes Calpurnia to Tom Robinson's home, she has to sit “in the back seat.” (page 321). She has been with the family since Jem was a baby. However, she does not eat at the same table with the Finch family. Aunt Alexandra refuses to allow Scout to visit Calpurnia because white people do not visit African American neighborhoods. This ties to another theme of courage because Atticus allows Scout to do this....