Saturday, June 29, 2013

What are are some quotes that support the theme of racism (or racist quotes)?

There are too many examples of racism and "racist" quotes
in the book to count.  I will try to give you a few broad examples that will allow you
to choose specific quotes.


Considering the historical time
the book takes place as compared to our world today, there are several quotes that could
be considered (by to today's standards) "racist" quotes.  The use of the n-word is
prevalent throughout the book and this word holds an immediate "racist" and demeaning
connotoation.  Though it was certainly more commonly used in the 1930s than it is now,
even then it was considered offensive.  If you were to skim through a couple chapters of
the book you will undoubtedly run into several examples of its
use.


If you wanted to show the difference between racism
then and now, you could find examples of the use of the word "negro" as a lable for
black people.  Today, this word is not as offensive as the n-word, but it does hold a
negative and certainly a demeaning connotation.  At the time the book was set, however,
it was acceptable.


Finally, if you re-read through the
trial scenes (Chapters 16-20) you will notice the very racist attitude of Bob Ewell and
of course, how it has affected his daughter Mayella.  Also look at the way Mr. Gilmer
(the prosecuting attorney) cross examines Tom Robinson.  He calls him "boy" and treats
him in a manner that could be perceived as racist.

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