Reasons For Banning To Kill A Mockingbird

To Not Ban A Mockingbird Many people assume Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird is nothing more than a vulgar, filthy excuse of a novel spewing with profanity and racial inequities. Many have not even have read the book, but only know from what they have heard from other overtly concerned parents. On some ludicrous cases, people have begun to make accusations such as how it is immoral to have rape as a central plot device, or even how the language and values of those in Maycomb County are objectionable and therefore should not be read. In recent years, many school’s around the country were quick to ban this misunderstood book from their reading curriculum, to shelter their children’s minds from the true reality. Why ban a book when it holds
so many important lessons to get out from it? I full heartedly support the right to keep this marvelous book in the school curriculum. These people are one minded, and can't get passed the fact that, yes, at times the book can produce some PG-13 content, but for the greater purpose of learning! We allow ourselves to be oppressed by societies standards and uncensored media, yet we are unable to reflect upon the selfishness and wrong doings of yesteryear. As a result of humanity's neglect to forget former times, Mockingbird raises controversial points that needed to be addressed. There’s no escaping it, the book deals with some deep and prolonged issues within our society as a whole. Racism, prejudice, inequality, and even rape all make their way into this novel to drive the storyline. The very thought of the book makes some people cower. It’s not for the sole purpose of a sort of ‘fear factor’ method, but it’s simply how times were back then. Growing up in the 1930’s, Lee based a majority of the book on childhood experiences living in the south. The book is outstandingly true to how life was like in a post-depression era. The townsfolk didn't carry the same values and equality that the world has so gradually warmed up to. Because of that, many are quick to assume if one character mentions some sort of degrading profanity, it automatically needs to be pulled off the shelves. Have any of these people actually turned on the Radio or Television lately? If censorship of this book is the main focus of these ignorant people, I wonder what they’d think about the totally bias news or modern musical trends. They try so hard to erase the wrongdoings of the past when in reality; we face the same dilemmas in today’s world. It’s as important to read about the unforgiving history of our past, as it is to make sure we never forget and repeat the actions of those before us. As Laura Madsen stated, “Trying to cover up our country’s painful race problems, both past and present, puts you in the same class as the Holocaust deniers—those people who, despite ample evidence to the contrary, deny that six million Jews were murdered by Nazi Germany. Those who cannot remember the past are bound to repeat it.” (Bookshop Talk)
The messages of the book do not sway from the time of writing to now, they still apply, and we should live by them. Thirty years ago, or thirty years from now, Mockingbird still will not have promoted the idea’s of racial hatred or white supremacy like some believe; but as a device to help us all to remember what horrific injustices were implemented in our past. Another reason why To Kill A Mockingbird should not be banned, is simply because of it’s decorated history. Becoming a Pulitzer Prize winner one year after publication, Harper Lee’s writing affect the lives of not only those in America, but those around the world. Printed in over 40 languages, Mockingbird has the right to be acclaimed next to books such as Of Mice And Men, Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. The movie adaptation even made it to the PGA Hall of Fame in 1999. Above all, Harper Lee has even been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest medal that can be awarded to a civilian, from George Bush. In the respected ceremony for Medal of Freedom recipients, these choice words were spoken upon To Kill A Mockingbird:
“To Kill a Mockingbird has influenced the character of our country for the better. It's been a gift to the entire world. As a model of good writing and humane sensibility, this book will be read and studied forever. And so all of us are filled with admiration for a great American and a lovely lady named Harper Lee.” (President Bush Announces Recipients)
George Bush later honors her for "... an outstanding contribution to America's literary tradition. At a critical moment in our history, her beautiful book, To Kill a Mockingbird, helped focus the nation on the turbulent struggle for equality" (Pauli). This book has earned the right to become an American classic, one that will be passed throughout history and adored with high regards. Without a doubt, Mockingbird has touched the lives of so many with it’s clear messages against prejudice and inequality. The mislead people who want to ban such an influential book, just haven't seen what strong of an impact it has had. The key element of this novel are the crucial messages throughout it.
It’s hard to even start with the seemingly endless list of messages that the reader learns through the eyes of Scout. Some of the important messages would be the recurring theme of a its a sin to kill Mockingbird, meaning its wrong to harm something that hasn't harmed you, shown through the gentle Boo Radley. Another would be the wise words of Atticus and the true meaning of courage, shown expertly through the chapters with Mrs. Dubose and her morphine addiction. But from all the messages, the ones that were taken from the entire trial with Tom Robinson stood out to me the most. Atticus enters this case knowing this would be a losing verdict, yet he takes it anyway. When word got around town, Scout started getting harassed by Cecil Jacobs for her father being a “n***** lover”. When confronted by Scout, Atticus puts it in the most humbling way
imaginable.
"I'm simply defending a Negro- his name's Tom Robinson. He lives in that little settlement beyond the town dump. He's a member of Calpurnia's church, and Cal knows his family well. She says they're clean-living folks. Scout, you aren't old enough to understand some things yet, but there's been some high talk around town to the effect that I shouldn't do much about defending this man… if I didn't I couldn't hold up my head in town, I couldn't represent this county in the legislature, I couldn't even tell Jem not to do something again" (Lee 100)
Atticus doesn't discriminate against Tom like the rest of the town does.
Tom isnt just some negro, in the eyes of Atticus, hes another human being just like him. Going into the case, it should have been a one and done, being that a "white man's word against a black man's, the white man always wins." (295) Back in those times, such a verdict were the black man’s testimony was even considered was unheard of. The fact that Atticus even took the case and actually presented a great testimony, is probably the bravest thing a man could do. He was able to defy the county norms, and stick up for true justice and equality. Ultimately, the case falls through and ends with the sentencing of Tom Robinson. But in those few hours of the jury meeting, Atticus had helped to change the mind of at least one person in there. For that brief moment, there was hope and change growing in Maycomb county. In regards to the trial, Miss. Maudie
states:
“‘It was no accident. I was sittin’ there on the porch last night, waiting. I waited to see you all come down the sidewalk, and as I waited I thought, Atticus Finch won’t win, he can’t win, but he’s the only man in these parts who can keep a jury out so long in a case like that. And I thought to myself, well, we’re making a step- it’s just a baby-step, but it’s a step’” (289)
How do School districts ban such a book, with such valuable messages? They are unable to look passed the “Maycomb’s usual disease” customs and language, to find the brighter meanings and lessons that make this book one of the greatest novels ever written. Sooner or later, the people will realize what an extraordinary book this really is. It’s not a book that promotes sadistic virtues and ignorant slurs, but a book that calls upon the mistakes of our past for the purpose of acceptance. It uses these matured examples to help the reader get the most important messages about life and equality. Many are too blind to read between the lines, and find the reason reason why To Kill A Mockingbird has won so many awards and is acknowledged for its impact it made on the world.