2. What lessons have you learned from this book so far? What themes, lessons, or examples will you take from this book and bring into your own life? Has it changed your perspective on issues at all? How so?
I have gained a deeper understanding of racism and have become more attuned prejudice. Before this novel I was far from racist and never hateful of someone because of some thing that they have no control over. But now I will stand up to people who are using slurs and such because I have realized that words have no power except when people give them power. And by repeating them they are giving these words more power. I have learned the power of the masses and the power of the guiding hand of society. People in To Kill A Mocking Bird side with the Ewells for the sole reason that he is white. This would not have happened in the north because racism was much less common. The only reason race was a deciding factor in the trail was because people decided that it was going to be. People gave race power by believing it did have power.
Finally I would like to talk about how people are forced into things by there friends or other people in a society. Imagine what would have happened to people if the had sided with Tom. Mr. Ewell threatened to kill Atticus for the sole reason that he did a good job defending a black man. Imagine what he would have done to people if they had let Tom walk free. Heads would have rolled. The people of Maycomb are not ready to be racism free. Its such a big part of the city it would be like if they took away the beach in San Diego. The people of Maycomb are so rooted in there history of racism that its hard for them to be pulled out of it. It is so ingrained into there minds.
Is there something that you do out of habit that is not for the best?
I have gained a deeper understanding of racism and have become more attuned prejudice. Before this novel I was far from racist and never hateful of someone because of some thing that they have no control over. But now I will stand up to people who are using slurs and such because I have realized that words have no power except when people give them power. And by repeating them they are giving these words more power. I have learned the power of the masses and the power of the guiding hand of society. People in To Kill A Mocking Bird side with the Ewells for the sole reason that he is white. This would not have happened in the north because racism was much less common. The only reason race was a deciding factor in the trail was because people decided that it was going to be. People gave race power by believing it did have power.
Finally I would like to talk about how people are forced into things by there friends or other people in a society. Imagine what would have happened to people if the had sided with Tom. Mr. Ewell threatened to kill Atticus for the sole reason that he did a good job defending a black man. Imagine what he would have done to people if they had let Tom walk free. Heads would have rolled. The people of Maycomb are not ready to be racism free. Its such a big part of the city it would be like if they took away the beach in San Diego. The people of Maycomb are so rooted in there history of racism that its hard for them to be pulled out of it. It is so ingrained into there minds.
Is there something that you do out of habit that is not for the best?
Good post Max, I agree with you assessment on racism, and peer pressure. Your post is both accurate & thoughtful. To improve it, you should add the vocabulary words. They will improve your post, and also give you a better grade. Overall, a great post!
ReplyDeleteMax~
ReplyDeleteGreat job. Your writing and word choices are very strong! I felt you did a good job explaining the way racism plays a large part in the Maycomb society. I agree that some of all of the jury sided with Ewell because they were afraid to break away from society. To answer your question, I guess I judge people before I meet them out of habit. It's just in my head, but I sometimes form opinions before I actually meet them.
Good job!
~matty :)