Self-Justification In To Kill A Mockingbird

Humans seek assurance that they are virtuous and in pursuit of happiness not only for themselves, but to live morally correct lives by doing so. In reality, however, what people say or do to defend their choices may often deviate from the truth. Due to the contradictory nature between emotions, logic, and ethics, most people seek justification for their prejudiced actions or beliefs. If one can convince himself that another group is inferior or a threat to his way of life, he will feel comfortable with enforcing increased authority over that group of people. This desire to warrant asserting dominance over others is deemed “self-justification” in the literary text Causes of Prejudice by Vincent N. Parrillo. Bob Ewell in the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, and
Self-justification is defined as “denigrating a person or a group to justify maltreatment of them” (Parrillo 580). This act of self-justification is displayed by Ewell through his blatant discrimination towards African Americans, particularly, Tom Robinson. In the novel, Ewell unjustly blames Robinson for assaulting his daughter, even though he – himself – is the actual culprit. Parrillo’s argument concurs with Ewell’s mentality when he states, “If we can convince ourselves that another group is inferior, immoral, or dangerous, we may feel justified in discriminating against its members” (Parrillo 580). Bob Ewell’s use of racial slur and aggressive language during the trial, when he yells, “I seen that black… yonder ruttin’ on my Mayella!” (Lee 175) further show his belief that he is right in incriminating Tom. Bob Ewell has always thought of African Americans as a subordinate race, thus justifying to himself his actions. By driving forth the belief that all blacks are inferior, Ewell, in order to cover up his lies, justifies letting an innocent man