There are many destructive forces in this world that may destroy our humanity, beat down our beliefs and wreck havoc on our morals. Greed, arrogance, anger, ignorance… but none so powerful as racism. Racism is the worst kind of prejudice in society. Jared Taylor, editor of American Renaissance Magazine, states, “People prefer the company of people like themselves.” For this, and many other reasons, racism has been prevalent since the beginning of time. Racism is even present today in the twenty first century. Racism is a big issue, which some authors find interesting to write about. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee contains numerous examples of prejudice and racism.
To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the fictional small Southern town of Maycomb in the 1930s. Slavery and the Civil War of the 1860s still loom large in the rearview mirror, but the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 60s is just a speck on the future horizon.
The south, as it was in 1930s America was more than just southern belles and gentlemen. The days moved at the subdued pace of tired old men who took mid-day strolls on the searing sidewalk. Though, now and again, a force so powerful would provoke a sedated southern town into a fury. Ever since the dawn of America division, prejudice, and hatred have been reasons for insurmountable conflict. Maycomb County serves as an important backdrop to central issues which plagued early 20th century southern America.
Prior to the feminist movement of the 1960s, women had to follow strict gender roles. Scout is a prime example of a female child struggling to fit these roles placed upon her by not only males in society, but women too. The moment Aunt Alexandra enters Maycomb, she places it upon herself to mould young Scout and Jem into their