According to sociology expert, Nicki Lisa Cole, prejudice is "simply a pre-judgment that one levies of another that is not based in reality." There are many examples of non-racial prejudice that fit this definition found throughout the novel To Kill a Mockingbird. Aunt Alexandra is prejudice towards many families and groups of people throughout the novel. Alexandra's attitude towards people and their families is not based off individual merit, but "streaks" present in one's familial line. Alexandra's prejudice against poor families is reflected when she forbids Scout from playing with Walter Cunningham because his family is "trash." Alexandra expresses her prejudice towards families by labeling individuals as nosey, alcoholics, and liars based off their distant relatives. These pernicious stereotypes attached to Maycomb community members create feelings of enmity and bitterness.
Boo Radley is another character throughout the novel who becomes a victim of non-racial prejudice. Rumors surrounding Boo Radley portray the innocent recluse as a psychotic maniac. Whenever strange things happen in the neighborhood, Boo Radley is automatically blamed as the responsible party. Miss Stephanie is quick to spread inaccurate rumors about Boo Radley's life that result in non-racial prejudice towards him.
No comments:
Post a Comment