The Ban on Harper Lee’sTo Kill a Mockingbird

The Ban on Harper Lee’sTo Kill a Mockingbird

“To Kill a Mockingbird” is a book by Harper Lee based on her childhood. Additionally, there is an apparent relationship between the characters, events, and storyline of the book to the childhood of Harper Lee. This relationship indicates that the events in the book relate to events that took place in Harper Lee’s life as a child. Also, the book was published in 1962; while the world keeps evolving with time, hence most things from the past are different from the world today. These changes occurring with time contribute to the complaints presented concerning the book, leading to its ban. Consequently, these complaints are evident in schools in different states, leading to the banning of the book. Some organizations, students, and parents present these complaints basing them on aspects of the book. Therefore, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee should be banned in middle and high school because of aspects of the book such as racism, violation, and chauvinism (Murray, 2010).

The first aspect of the book contributing to the ban of the book in middle and high school is racism. These complaints presented due to the book concern the emphasis on racism; this theme is constantly emphasized in the book in association with the use of racial terms. Scout lives with her father, Atticus, her brother Jem, and their help, Calpurnia, from the story’s beginning. In the film, Atticus says, “on, why don’t you come down out of there now and have your breakfast. Calpurnia has a good one. Hot biscuits,” to his son Jem in relation to the breakfast she prepared (Mulligan, 1962). This setup is related to the normalcy of the years when Harper Lee was a child; however, the circumstances are different.

Furthermore, the greatest emphasis on racism is the case of Tom Robinson, a black man who was falsely accused of a crime. The kids refer to him as “a colored man” when they first see him in the film (Mulligan, 1962). This statement promotes the viewing of individuals as colors and not as the people they are. Ignoring color promotes color blindness while insisting on color promotes prejudice. In the film, Bob Ewell calls Atticus “Nigger lover!” in reference to defending Tom Robinson (Mulligan, 1962). The word “Nigger” and other related terms are repeated throughout the book. This repetition poses a challenge during its study in school because it creates discomfort between the teachers, students, and parents. Subsequently, studying this book in school will lead to uncomfortable situations that will limit the extensive study of the book.

The second aspect of the book contributing to the ban of the book in middle and high school is a violation. The case against Tom Robinson concerns charges of violating a white lady; during the court proceedings, the sheriff says “that his girl had been raped” in relation to Bob Ewell’s Daughter (Mulligan, 1962). This aspect is explicit for middle and high school students to study repeatedly, as it is emphasized repeatedly. In addition, during the trial, Mayella Ewell says, “…before I know it, he’s on me. I fought and hollered…” emphasizing Tom Robinson’s actions leading to her alleged violation (Mulligan, 1962). Therefore, students’ exposure to such explicit-like contents that must be studied in school would also contribute to discomfort in classrooms interfering with the study.

The third aspect of the book contributing to the ban of the book in middle and high school is chauvinism. The book gives more voice to the male people of the town, and little to no voice is given to the female people. The male people focused on in the book include Atticus, the sheriff, Tom Robinson, Bob Ewell, Boo Radley, and many others, while the females include Calpurnia, Scout, and others. Also, Mayella defends her father after he beats her by saying, “My pa’s never touched a hair on my head in my life” (Mulligan, 1962). This aspect promotes toxic masculinity that might influence students thinking with respect to male behavior. Accordingly, the students might think that toxic masculinity-based actions and behaviors are acceptable, promoting their exposure to harmful actions.

Despite all these setbacks that promote the banning of “To Kill a Mockingbird,” there are various factors promoting its study. The main factor is spreading awareness. The book’s themes, such as racism, violation, and chauvinism, can be taught to students to help them understand different circumstances. Accordingly, teaching students about racism will spread awareness between the students clearing any misconceptions the students might have in relation to racism. Additionally, studying the book promotes understanding and openness on the theme of violation. Students might lack a venue to address circumstances surrounding the violation, so addressing it will provide knowledge for students. Also, it creates openness between teachers and students that will encourage the students to turn to their teacher in certain circumstances. Also, awareness is spread in relation to chauvinism and toxic masculinity. Understanding this theme will also create openness between the students and the teachers, allowing them to speak openly about challenges they might be facing.

In conclusion, the study of “To Kill a Mockingbird” faces setbacks due to multiple complaints presented. These complaints are based on various themes of the book that are unsuitable for middle and high school students, contributing to the need to ban the book in middle and high school. Most of these themes create discomfort among students in classrooms. However, the teachers can approach these themes in different ways to promote understanding among the students.

References

Murray, J. (2010). More Than One Way to (Mis)Read a “Mockingbird.” The Southern Literary Journal, Vol. 43 No. 1 (FALL 2010).

Mulligan, R. (1962). To Kill a Mockingbird. Brentwood Productions

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

Despite having sold more than 40 million copies, To Kill a Mockingbird is still one of the most
banned books in American school curriculum. This is based in its adult theme and charged
language.

The Ban on Harper Lee’sTo Kill a Mockingbird

Now that you have viewed this version (which is almost identical to the novel), what do you
think about his ban? Please respond to the following prompt using the film study and two
other academic/reliable sources. In your essay, use cited text examples from both research
sources and the film.
Should Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird be banned in middle and high schools? Why
or why not?
Instructions (how to get it done):
• Choose your side of this issue and decide what three supporting proofs you are going to use
to defend your argument.
• Create a thesis statement that clearly states your argument and how you are going to prove it.
You are welcome to use the following template: