To Kill A Mockingbird Controversy Essay

Ashley Chubb

Dr. Grippin

AP Literature

15 May 2023

Controversy surrounding To Kill a Mockingbird

In recent years, the topic of banned books has been put into the spotlight, gathering attention from controversial school curriculums. Many previously banned or disputable titles have been brought back into the debate, introducing an array of disagreements between students, teachers, administrators, and parents. Although book banning has existed since the fifteenth century, opposition to this practice truly came to public attention in the early 1960’s. Since then, arguments have increased dramatically and will most likely continue for an extended duration. Harper Lee’s 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird is a particularly dominant example of the numerous

By far, the largest concern brought upon this novel is its depiction of racist scenes and its use of racial slurs. The most prominent character that correlates with these themes is Atticus Finch, the father of main characters Scout and Jem. From the start of the novel, it is evident that Atticus is presented as a savior-like figure and is worshiped by the townspeople for the duration of his career as a lawyer. One of Atticus’s most famous quotes teaches moral character, for example. “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”(Lee 33). However, it is clear throughout the book that he, like many other characters in the book, has racist tendencies and views. Darryl Potyk, MD, and Cicely White have emphasized this in a 2020 article: “While the novel has been praised for its depiction of Atticus’ moral character, further analysis reveals deep flaws. Careful reading reveals Atticus to be racist, and racism, segregation, and a caste system are displayed

The book has been used in school curricula since its release date, and has won the Pulitzer prize. Books with such fame as this are often thrown into the spotlight, picked apart, and criticized no matter their content. To Kill a Mockingbird, however, contains large amounts of potentially offensive and inappropriate information, making it one of the most controversial books ever to be discussed. Of course, the book deals with many important life lessons as well. A story of coming of age, the book helps to bring young readers to a better understanding of themselves. To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most commonly taught books in American schools. Beloved by many readers and educators as a story of moral courage, it has also been criticized for its limited portrayal of Black characters, dated treatment of racism, and promotion of a “white savior” narrative”(Facing History). One of Atticus Finch’s most famous quotes allows a deeper perspective into the harmful information throughout the book: “There’s a lot of ugly things in this world, son. I wish I could keep ‘em all away from you. That’s never possible”(Lee 115). This quote can be perceived as a message for readers, as the scenes in the book mimic events that occur in real life, and learning about them eventually becomes unavoidable as