How Does Miss Gates Show Injustice

Introduction

Throughout the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee, the theme of injustice is explored through various characters and situations. One character who particularly exemplifies this theme is Miss Gates, Scout's third-grade teacher. Despite her role as an educator, Miss Gates displays a hypocritical attitude towards injustice, as she fails to recognize the racial inequality and discrimination that exists in her own community. This essay will analyze Miss Gates' portrayal as a symbol of injustice, highlighting her contradictory beliefs and actions. By examining her character, we can gain a deeper understanding of the pervasive nature of injustice in society.

Body

At first glance, Miss Gates appears to be a champion of justice and equality. In one scene, she passionately discusses the rise of Adolf Hitler and expresses her disgust at the oppression occurring in Nazi Germany. She tells her students, including Scout, that "Over here, we don't believe in persecuting anybody. Persecution comes from people who are prejudiced" (Lee 331). Miss Gates' words seem to convey a genuine concern for injustice and prejudice. However, it is important to note the irony in her statements, as she fails to recognize the discrimination happening within her own community.

Moreover, Miss Gates' condemnation of persecution in Germany serves as a stark contrast to her indifference towards the racial inequality prevalent in Maycomb. She fails to acknowledge the racial discrimination faced by Tom Robinson, a black man falsely accused of rape, and instead focuses on the injustice happening in a distant country. This inconsistency in her beliefs highlights the hypocrisy underlying her supposed commitment to justice.

In addition to her contradictory statements, Miss Gates also demonstrates a profound ignorance towards the racial injustice that permeates Maycomb. During a discussion about Hitler's treatment of Jews, Scout overhears Miss Gates saying, "It's time somebody taught them a lesson, they were getting way above themselves, an' the next thing they think they can do is marry us" (Lee 331). This remark exposes Miss Gates' racist beliefs and reveals her inability to recognize the parallels between the oppression faced by Jews in Germany and the discrimination faced by African Americans in her own community.

By juxtaposing her condemnation of persecution abroad with her racist comments about black people, Lee highlights the hypocrisy and blindness of individuals like Miss Gates who claim to stand against injustice. Furthermore, this ignorance perpetuates the cycle of inequality and prevents any meaningful progress towards a more just society.

Despite her knowledge of the injustices occurring in Maycomb, Miss Gates fails to take any significant action to address or challenge them. She remains passive and complacent, allowing the racial inequality to persist. This is evident in her response to Tom Robinson's trial. While the trial becomes a major event in the town, Miss Gates does not actively support Tom Robinson or question the legitimacy of the accusations against him. Her inaction speaks volumes about her true character and further emphasizes her role as a symbol of injustice.

Furthermore, Miss Gates' failure to confront the injustices within her community reflects a broader issue of societal complacency. Her silence, and the silence of those like her, enables the perpetuation of systemic racism and inequality. Through her character, Harper Lee highlights the importance of actively fighting against injustice rather than remaining passive observers.

Conclusion

Miss Gates, Scout's third-grade teacher in "To Kill a Mockingbird," embodies the theme of injustice through her hypocritical beliefs, ignorance towards racial inequality, and failure to take action. By examining Miss Gates' character, we gain insight into the pervasive nature of injustice in society. Her condemnation of persecution abroad, coupled with her ignorance towards racial discrimination at home, highlights the hypocrisy and blindness of individuals who claim to stand against injustice. Furthermore, her failure to take action emphasizes the importance of actively fighting against injustice rather than remaining passive. Through Miss Gates, Harper Lee reminds us of the need to confront and challenge the injustices that exist in our own communities.

Bibliography

Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Grand Central Publishing, 1960.