Theme Of Racial Inequality In To Kill A Mockingbird

There are many empowering themes in Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird, one of the most evident is racial inequality and its effects. In the novel, the author suggests that racial inequality can bring out the worst in some and the best in others through characters like Mayella Ewell, Atticus Finch and the Black community.
Mayella Ewell shows how racial inequality can have horribly negative effects on one's life. Although it is hard to pity Mayella after the inhumane thing she did, she is worthy of pity, for what she did was not because of her own will, but because of the circumstances. Mayella Ewell, never having gotten a single spec of attention in her lonely life, felt important when with Tom. He cared about her and showed interest in what
A voice of reason and justice in Maycomb, Atticus is needed by the people of Maycomb. He is “trust[ed] to do right” (236) by the people of Maycomb. He is well respected and well off in such desperate times, but when he decides that he is actually going to defend Tom Robinson, earns much distaste toward himself from the town’s people. This, however, does not stop him. Atticus is very genuine and empathic, he sees both good and bad in each person but does not criticize them for the bad. Racism, which he has described as Maycomb’s disease, does not sit well with him. Atticus is a man with his own mindset and makes decisions based on his conscience, whereas others seem to follow the societal normalities like lemmings. When Tom Robinson’s case is handed to Atticus, he presents an extraordinary case which, in today’s time, would’ve definitely freed Tom. Although Atticus is against racial discrimination, he is unintentionally racist himself, but this is not a bad thing. When Atticus says that they need to help “them”, referring to the blacks, he is separating the Blacks from himself. By viewing the Blacks as helpless, when in fact they are not, he unintentionally has been racist and although it may be considered a bad thing, he inevitably puts hard work and his heart into this, maybe more than he would’ve done if Tom was white. Atticus has a very controlled and warped racism inside of him
They all have a very strong sense of community and perseverance, they are not in need of help, just in need of better fortune. Racial discrimination brings out the goodness and humanity in their hearts for one another. They worked together to buy First Purchase, the church, and work together to make singing hymns work. Although they aren’t in the best conditions, most are content. For example, Tom Robinson “felt right sorry” (197) for Mayella Ewell although he is black and she is white. One only pities those who they believe to be more vulnerable and in worst conditions than themselves. The Blacks may be in need of support, but they are not weak. This support, they receive from one another. They make one another stronger. When Tom Robinson's wife, Helena, is in need of help at home, First Purchase’s collection “taken up [on that Sunday] and for the next three Sundays [goes] to Helen”. They are also very respectful and kind to the white people. They stand up when Atticus is passing in court and they fill the back porch with food as a sign of thanks. They respect Atticus and thank him for all that he did for Tom and for them. Racial inequality has not turned them cold, but rather strong. They have persevered and stayed strong through everything together, they support one another through everything, even racial