Why Is To Kill A Mockingbird Be Banned

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has been challenged/banned countless times since it’s original publication in 1960. The reasoning people could have behind banning it is that they feel that the racism, language and subject matter in the book is offensive, inappropriate, immoral and that it encourages and condones such things. To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in Maycomb, a small town in Alabama, during the depression from 1935-1937, and is told from the perspective of a little girl named Scout. In the book Scout’s father Atticus teaches her and her brother Jem many valuable lessons. The things Atticus teaches Scout and Jem are things we all need to know. To Kill a Mockingbird is an inspirational book that teaches valuable moral values,

Evidence: An example that demonstrates Scout being immature is when she gets into a fight on her first day of school, “ Catching Walter Cunningham in the schoolyard gave me some pleasure, but when I was rubbing his nose in the dirt Jem came by and told me to stop. Let him go, Scout. Why?. He didn’t have any lunch” (30).

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic novel that has multiple benefits when taught in a high school classroom. Some would disagree with this statement because of the immaturity level of the students, the profanity and violence, and other controversial topics. Despite its adult themes, To Kill a Mockingbird is an amazing novel that should be assigned to high school students because it provides an awareness of the effects of prejudice and segregation, along with positive moral values that have the ability to teach students to invent a moral code of their own. In order to contradict these other thoughts, I will provide research on the negativity of the novel through examples and proven effects, but will first provide research on the proven positive effects.

On July 11, 1960 a book of epic proportions was published; a book that would still be loved by many 50 years into the future. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is a timeless novel that was relevant then and is still relevant today. Harper Lee is from a small town in Alabama, and for her first book to achieve hall of fame immortality is as rare as Halley’s comet. Everything in To Kill a Mockingbird from the characters to the symbolism of the mockingbird draws readers in both old and new. When Atticus talks to Jem he says that it is a sin to kill a mockingbird (CITE 3). In this instance of the book Atticus is talking about the actual bird; however as one reads on the mockingbird becomes personified in two characters.

Atticus believes everyone needs to treat and judge others based on their mentality and personality as opposed to their race; showing that he agrees with the idea of racial equality. When Atticus and a relative, Uncle Jack, were having a heated discussion about the upcoming trial, Atticus says, “I hope and pray I can get Jem and Scout through it without bitterness, and most of all, without catching Maycomb’s usual disease. Why reasonable people go stark raving mad when anything involving a n-word comes up...” (117). Atticus believes it is ludicrous and absurd how people are treated with complete differentiation just because of their race. Proving that Atticus vindicating Tom Robinson is the idea of living by the Golden Rule, which is what he wants his children to do as well.

It is from Scouts point of view over the 1 -1.5 years scout also speaks in a slang American tone

In her book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ ,Harper Lee incorporates many elements of classic literature into the text ,making every reading just as treasured and meaningful as the first . Through her work ,she passes on the essence of her time ,as well as a rather relatable insight into human morals .

On a hot summer day, the cases of two people are weighed in the court. They are both men, both young, and both live in the same era. The only difference? Their skin color. To Kill A Mockingbird is undoubtedly one of the most well recognized pieces of literature within America. Mockingbird to some is said to be one of the greatests stories they have ever read in their life, while others see it as “FIlthy, inhumane trash”. Many schools have their students take on this book, and with that can spark some controversy. Those who are thoughtless observers of this book, will see the slander woven throughout this piece of literature, and automatically assume this to not be fit to school students. However, if a student is able to get past that slander, we learn that Mockingbird contains valuable life-lessons, and also can provide a student a feel to how times were then. In the book To Kill A Mockingbird, by Harper Lee, Lee is able to expertedley weave important lessons within her piece, and is able to give the reader a context of the past throughout, which is why this book should be read in classrooms.

Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, focuses on a young girl named Jean Louise ‘Scout’ Finch. Through the perspective of Scout, readers are exposed to the discrimination she and the others around her went through. The novel was based on the 1930’s, where discrimination and prejudices were regular day to day acts. Discrimination is prevalent in the novel, the most obvious being the excessive amount of racism. Racism is the easiest to see but there are more forms of discrimination, as it also targets lower class citizens and women. In To Kill A Mockingbird, the author Harper Lee addresses these accounts of discrimination throughout the entire piece as it relates to race, gender and class, making it one of the most prominent themes in the novel.

There are many classic novels that many people will argue should be read by everyone. One of those books include the book To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, which is considered a definite classic. While To Kill A Mockingbird may be considered an outstanding book, people are divided over the idea that the book should be taught in schools. Some people believe that the book should be taught in schools because of the morals taught through Atticus’ teachings and the significance of the story. However, others think the novel should not be taught in schools, since students may not be mature enough to fully understand the topic of racism throughout the book. However, the book To Kill A Mockingbird should be taught in schools, because the novel teaches good morals, and reveals an important part of American history.

Their age difference, expected gender roles, and maturity levels set them apart. Jem is older than Scout by four years and is able to understand situations at a deeper level then his younger sister. Scout is much more adventurous than her brother but jumps to conclusions. Jem, on the other hand, is always thinking things through and is more aware of his surroundings. He’s also protective of his younger sister and sometimes scolds Scout for acting like a girl even though she is one because as she gets older she started to become more hesitant in doing things that involved Boo Radley. On the other hand, Scout is a tomboy who is adventurous, outgoing, and is always acting with her best intentions. When Scout and Jem were sneaking onto Boo Radley’s property Scout told Jem that they should leave because something could happen to them, but Jem did not listen and he ended up getting in trouble by some adults. Scout is always looking out for herself and the people around

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has been banned by some school districts since its publication in 1960, but it is also loved and treasured as a classic “full of wisdom” (Greitens) by millions. It is a story of learning to accept others, learning to compromise, learning to be uncomfortable in certain situations. Governor Greitens of Missouri writes to his sons about To Kill a Mockingbird: “Part of the wisdom of the book is how the characters respond to… troubling words. But you can't appreciate their actions without feeling the discomfort. The author wanted you to wince. That kind of discomfort is how you grow…. Discomfort is the warm-up act to growth.” Lee helps Scout, Jem, Dill, and all readers grow through the themes of racism, stereotypes, and integrity.

To Kill A Mockingbird is an well written novel by Harper Lee, This whole books story has a timeline during the 1930s when racism is much bigger than it is today,

Racism breaks people down. In Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird”,she tells the story of a racist incident that happened to a man named Tom Robinson in the 1930s in Maycomb, Alabama. Many people do not think the book should be taught because it shows how racism was during the 1930s. The book shows what can happen when a person reaches out and tries to help someone who is a victim of racism. It is important for kids to read this and learn this lesson.This novel demonstrates how discrimination, racism, and sexism was back then. When reading the novel you connect the world know and then and how some of it changed. “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee should be taught in schools today and should continue to be taught in schools for the rest of the eternity.

Quote: "First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." (3.85-87)