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The Negative Effects Of Individual Racism

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Dr. Dashonne Stokes, a civil rights activist said “What matters most is not 'what ' you are, but 'who ' you are.” Dr. Dashine Stokes is saying that skin color does not matter it’s who you are as a person that matters. In to kill a mockingbird by Harper Lee there are two types of racism: Individual and Institutional, Individual racism is based on personal beliefs of one person. Institutional racism is government or large groups with racist beliefs. Institutional racism is more harmful than Individual racism. While some people may say individual racism is more harmful because it has a more negative effect on children, Institutional racism is more harmful because groups are much more dangerous than one person.

One could argue that individual racism is more harmful because it has a negative influence on kids. Individual racism is more harmful because it sets a bad example for kids and it is more common in everyday life. One day after the trial, “Atticus was leaving the post office when Mr. Ewell …show more content…

Institutional racism is more dangerous because it has a greater effect on society. In chapter 21 Right after the jury comes out and Judge Taylor reads the verdict Judge Taylor says, “Guilty... Guilty...Guilty...Guilty…” (Lee 282) Tom was found guilty because of his race, This has a more negative effect on society because Tom was an innocent man that was put in jail because of the racist court system. Next, In chapter 15 after Tom is put in jail Bob Ewell and the lynch mob try to kill Tom because he is a black man even though Tom is innocent. Bob Ewell says, “You know what we want,” Another man said “Get aside from the door, Mr. Finch” (Lee 202) The lynch mob wanted to kill Tom because he is black, This is more dangerous to society because a group or institution is more powerful because they have more people so they can do more damage to society. In conclusion, Institutional racism is more harmful because groups and institutions can do more damage to society than one

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