Racism and Prejudice Essay Prejudice is an unfavourable opinion or feeling while racism is the outworking of this feeling, it is the actions that come from prejudice. Racism is a belief that inherent differences exist among the various human races, usually involving the idea that one’s own race is superior and has the right to rule others. Racism is used as a form of power and control over people. It is shaped by people’s upbringing and experiences. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird and the movie Mississippi Burning the foundation and outcome of racism are explored.
Drowning in her own pool of ignorance, Lula criticizes Jem and Scout’s presence at the black church despite their relation to Atticus Finch, the one lawyer in America self-righteous enough to defend a black man. On top of that, Lula puts her own community at risk just to make a point. For example, if any white child either than Jem and Scout had accompanied Calpurnia to church; Lula’s behavior would lead to the churches ‘early demise. Yet, she still defies Jim Crow Laws to make a
Colored folks won't have 'em because they're half white; White folks won't have 'em cause they're colored so they're just just in-betweens, don't belong anywhere” (161). This is racial discrimination because, no one wants these kids because they are both Caucasian and African American and neither community wants them because of that. Another example of racial discrimination is when Ms. Lula gets angry at Calpurnia for bringing the Finch kids to First Purchase Church. “You ain't got no business bringin' white chillun here they got there church, we got our'n” (119). This is racial discrimination because Ms. Lula is basically saying that they are not welcome at that church because they are white, not African American.
Therefore, the black community in Maycomb was crippled with fear. A fear that they will get lynched for a crime they did not commit. Stereotyping is a human instinct. We will always stereotype people's race, class and families. When Aunt Alexandra lived with the Finches, she said this to Scout about the Cunninghams, "Because he is trash, that's why you cant play with him.
Richard’s grandmother was always excessively beating him. From the beginning, Richard would not subdue himself to the white man like the other black people around. The white people knew that he was different from other black men. Whites were scared because Richard challenged the system that they had created to insure white supremacy. They feared Richard, and some of the white people felt it necessary to act out their racist feelings in order to cover up their fear.
Thus the racist social values of Maycomb County are responsible for the failure of Atticus Finch’s defense for Tom Robinson. When hate and racism start controlling people, that hate will be factored into each decision they make in life. For example, defending someone who is guilty and criticizing someone who is innocent. As a result of hate and racism controlling the witnesses of the trial, they are another factor that cause Atticus’ defense to fail. There are several characters involved in the justice system of Maycomb County.
The main plot which is seen as Kabuo’s trial reveals a lot of discrimination from the community. Another example of racism is seen in the subplot between Ishmael and Hatsue. Finally, the last example is seen by the Japanese towards the white Americans. Overall, racism is the most powerful and significant topic in the novel, Snow Falling on Cedars. The main plot, which is Kabuo’s trial, reveals various scenes that reveal racism.
‘Twelve Angry Men’ is a naturalistic play, written by Reginald Rose who shows that conflict can impact on all people, and its factors are what make the issue of prejudice, justice and the case of personal experience. Prejudice is one of many factors that contribute on conflict, how it is gone about, and the way it prevents people from acting towards others. Along with the inhabitants of prejudice, justice and personal experience are also major factors which are involved in the outcome of conflict. Throughout the play, a main focus which Rose explores is prejudice, and the way he links it to a major factor of conflict. While Rose showcases the effect of prejudice and its impact on conflict, he endures using his jury, the major influence personal experience has on people, and each other, making the decision from come personally.
In Harper Lee’s compellingly poignant novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ we witness various forms of racism and injustice. As the protagonist, Scout exposes the bigotry present in Maycomb County and what the characters endured because of it, particularly the African Americans. We also observe the discrimination that certain characters, such as Atticus Finch and Mr. Dolphus endure because of the racial stereotypes who couldn’t comprehend their belief for justice for all. Racism in Maycomb was the norm. Most of the people of Maycomb were unjust and ignorant when it came to the most basic rights of the African Americans.
Racism can be defined as “discrimination against certain populations because they are considered to be inherently inferior” (Arvanitakis, 83). There is always a “hidden agenda” portrayed within media which tends to lead into racism towards ethnic groups. This causes society to make judgements upon people such as, stereotyping according to physical appearances and cultural backgrounds. Having a “hidden agenda” within media can cause damage and harm within contemporary society leading to rebellion. Rebellion is often the result of these judgements causing riots to arise as seen in Cronulla (the Cronulla Riots) and London (the London Riots, 2011).