Segregation

Author's Note:  This is my final essay for the book, To Kill A Mockingbird.  This piece is showing how Atticus supported the African American community throughout the book.  I believe I may have accidentally fallen into the Atticus trap, but let me know if I should change my topic.

Back in the 1930's, segregation was common throughout the United States.  It was a way of life for all African Americans and white Americans living in the south.  Tasks as simple as going to church and taking a drink from a drinking fountain were decided purely on their skin color.  In the book, To Kill A Mockingbird, the town of Maycomb was segregated, but one person in particular did not agree with it-- his name was Atticus.

Atticus, Jem and Scout's father, definitely did not support segregation.  Throughout the book, he constantly preaches to his children that everyone is created equal, including African Americans.  These lessons greatly affect both Jem and Scout. Their respect for the black community is greatly influenced by Atticus.  These speeches were often prompted after Scout had gotten into a fight with someone who remarked that Atticus "favored" Negroes.  When they say favor, Atticus is really just accepting African Americans as equals. 

A pivotal event in the novel was Tom Robinson's trial.  Tom was an African American man accused of raping a white woman.  Atticus agreed to be Tom's lawyer.  He wanted Tom to receive a fair trial but knew this would be extremely difficult in Maycomb with an all white jury.  During the trial, Atticus easily outperformed the Ewell's lawyer, bringing up several points that proved Tom Robinson was innocent.  In the end it didn't matter.  Tom was found guilty because the all white jury had basically predetermined his fate due to the fact that he was black.

As you can see, Atticus really did not agree with segregation.  He fought hard for Tom Robinson's freedom.  When people were calling him names behind his back, he didn't care.  Atticus continued to do the right thing.  Although he didn't win the trial, Atticus had stood up for one African American man's rights.   Actions like Atticus' were what changed America's views on segregation.