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Essay About Racism

Racism originates from the belief that one race is superior compared to others. There is no place on Earth where racism doesn't exist as long as humans occupy it. In courts, where everyone is judged equally, racism has infiltrated its grounds by existing in the secret courts of human's heart. In Maycomb's courts, racism influences the decision making done by those who serve. In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee exposes Maycomb's broken judicial system by revealing how racism empowers insecure and disregarded people when used for manipulating others.
Mayella employs racist words during her testimony to manipulate the jury, revealing the overall ability of racism to empower and strengthen one's argument, no matter how flawed and illogical it may be. During her cross examination, she gets infuriated by Atticus's constant questioning and goes off on a rant exclaiming "that nigger yonder took advantnage of me"(188). Mayella reminds the jury that Tom is a "nigger", a way to describe black men in an unpleasant way. Nigger has the sublte feeling of describing someone who is a liar, repulive, and simpleminded. Mayella asserts her place on the social hierarchy by mentioning his race, reminding the jury that she is white, so therefore they should trust her rather than him. Her whole case is based upon Tom being a black man, thus she uses the stereotypes and racism of Maycomb to convince the jury. Raping someone is outrageous in society, hence Mayella emphasizes on being taken "advantage" of by Tom hoping to enrage the jury. Instead of using the word rape, she says "advantage" to portray herself as a weak, helpless girl. It has the connotation of Tom stealing something precious from innocent Mayella with his cruel, mighty strength. Using the social hierarchy, she declares that the jury's "fancy airs don't come to nothin', your ma'amin' and Miss Mayellerin' don't come to nothin'"(188). Mayella is using the hierarchy and racism to sway the jury to her side. Using the word "fancy airs", she is reminding the people that if they truly are the upper class men of Maycomb, they should start behaving like one. Real ladies and gentlemen should support and defend a white woman against a black man, not question her argument. Mayella shames everyone for not protecting her from Tom, questioning why they would think twice in believing a white person's word against a black one. She is asserting that people should believe in her instead of a black man for the reason of being white, which was considered a logical and adequate reason back then. Knowing that her testimony isn't convincing, she relies on racism and stereotypical beliefs to persuade the jury. Throughout Mayella's racist testimony, she manipulates the jury with her diction, imparting the true potential of reinforcing one's seriously questionable argument.
Bob and Mr. Gilmore's choices of words portray Tom as a non-humaning being to manipulate the jury, revealing Bob's insecurity of being treated equally, if not less, to a black man, and one's dignity in achieving their goals by using racism as a tool. Throughout Bob's testimony, he describes as seeing that "black nigger yonder ruttin"(173). By using the word "ruttin", Tom is inevitably portrayed as a savage, sex hungry creature in the minds of the jury. Bob doesn't say rape because its to human for him. By carefully choosing the words, he manages to infiltrate the minds of the jury with vivid imagery. His description of Tom, a "black nigger", resonates with the people. He uses these words to describe the dangerous qualities of Tom, and makes sure the jury understands this incredible threat. Nigger has the connotation of being a filthy, cheating, repulsive creature, and Bob uses this word to the fullest extent. But the reality is that Bob is the repulsive one because he is willing to kill Tom with the help of racism to protect his family's honor, as if they have any. During Mr. Gilmore's interrogation of Tom, he treats him like a "big buck" while being overly astonished by Tom's comment for feeling "sorry for her"(197-198). His attitude towards Tom isn't pleasant. He treats Tom like an animal who deserves to die for his crimes. His vexation and racism can be seen throughout the trail by analyzing the way he talks. For instance, Mr. Gilmore calls him a buck instead of a tiger, elephant, or a rhinosaur. A buck because they are meant to be hunted by hunters, a species that provide nothing more than food, just like black people providing labor. Mr. Gilmore makes a big deal out of Tom's statement. He uses the social hierarchy and racism to remind people that blacks shouldn't feel sorry for upper class people. By acting astonished, he can manipulate the jury from realising Tom's good intentions to feeling insulted.
In Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, Lee reveals how racism can be used to manipulate others while strengthening insecure and overlooked people by analyzing Maycomb's broken judicial system. The book reveals how racism can impact the decisions made by simpleminded folks from Maycomb to other places. This is because everyone, from bus drivers to presidents, is racist in one way or another. Although racial injustice seems to concern a small group of minorities, it should in fact concern anyone who cares about fixing a society that has been corrupted by racism.
I have used samples found on EssayGraph.com. They have a rich database of numerous assignments. I used them to do my own papers.

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