To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the greatest, most important books in my opinion, ever written, at least for the 20th century. It is also one of my favourite books.
For those who haven’t read it in awhile, I’ll give a brief summary. Set in the 1930’s Great Depression in Alabama, it deals with a young white child, Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, and her essential loss of innocence to racism and injustice, as her father, Atticus, defends a black man, Tom Robinson, for allegedly raping a white girl. Though her father puts up a strong case that clearly shows Tom didn’t rape the girl, he is found guilty, and shortly after, dies when attempting to escape. Throughout this time, Scout deals with her father being ridiculed around her town.
The movie, starring Gregory Peck as Atticus, is just as good as the book, as it conveys the themes found throughout the novel, and after getting for it the following Christmas, I watch it every summer with my mom and dad, still making me sad when seeing the outcome and the history behind it.
Of course, the popular the book, the more controversial it seems to be. At times, debates in schools rise on whether to ban the book or not, and some are successful. This could make some students feels uncomfortable because of the racially charged nature of the book.
It’s safe to say as long as there’s racism in our world; this novel can always, and should be taught. The use of racially charged language (the N word) is set with the time, and today unfortunately, people still use it. What better way to teach children about racism and inequality than reading this book?
It’s been continuously prevalent with the time.
Yes, giving a diversity to books since its release in 1960 is good, there have been some terrific novels out there since. But really, the theme of “shooting a Mockingbird” how, according to Atticus is a “sin” because they do nothing wrong, is perfect. It’s easy to understand, those reading it clearly see Tom having already lost, but committed no crime, simply because of the colour of his skin.
However, it should make students uncomfortable, because they will know how wrong racism is, and seek equality. By almost shocking them, maybe some will go into the justice system, and change it for the better.
Look at the Civil Rights movement, segregation, and the Rodney King beating riots; they all stem from racism. Why take away something that will teach our children, the future, about the history and wrong doings of racism?
If not To Kill a Mockingbird, then something else that deals with racism. I was 13 when I read it, and I understood the message clearly, and when I was explained to what the N word meant I knew it was an awful word, and taught fellow classmates on it. Right here in Toronto, racism is still real and dangerous.
Heck, look at the Black Lives Matter Movement! Think now we still don’t need to read this book?! Maybe one day when someone reads it and doesn’t understand it, or isn’t taught because there isn’t racism, then fine, but it seems like we need this book now more than ever.
We’ve made a lot of progress, but there’s still a ways to go. So go to your local bookstore, pick up a copy, or take it off your dusty bookshelf and give it a read.
Maybe then you’ll see my point; What did a Mockingbird ever do to you?
Comment down below on what you think of this novel, if it should still be taught, and your memories of reading it.
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