Racism in I Have a Dream

“I have a dream that one day little black boys and girls will be holding hands with little white boys and girls,” said Martin Luther King Jr, a civil rights activist, father, and priest who believes in equal rights. Jim Crow Laws play a significant role during the 1930’s, enforcing racial segregation. Maycomb, Alabama, is a small town where the majority of its residents enforce racism. Atticus Finch, the father of Jem and Scout, is a causcausin lawyer defending an African American man for a crime he never committed. Many conflicts arise in the divide of racism beliefs. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee is a novel which highlights the racism accepted by many individuals, and the assumptions made. Similes, metaphors, and repetition are used to emphasize and support ideas by society of racism during the Great Depression.

In a town where one has their own opinion on descrimintaion, some have a harsh way of expressing themselves, with the use of similes. As Jem and Scout walk past Mrs. Dubose's house everyday, she screams hateful comments that upset them. One day as the children pass by, she says, ‘“Your father’s no better than the n*****s and trash he works for!”’ (Lee 117). Mr. Finch is very respected and trusted throughout Maycomb, but is not supported due to the fact of defending a colored man. During this time, the colored community was seen as nothing more than people in a lower class. Atticus is shamed for his actions and is considered as a disgrace for

his belief in antiracism. Furthermore, as the trial of Tom Robinson, an African American man who is accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a caucasian girl is taking place, both sides tell thier story. Atticus, as the defender of the suspect says, ‘“This case is as simple as black and white”’(Lee 231). This statement indicates how complex, yet simple the trial is. Tom is being accused of a crime with little to no evidence. It is obvious Robinson is innocent, but the jury is only basing the trial off of a caucasian accusing a black person. Tom Robinson is guilty only because of the color of his skin. The use of simile portrays the hatred towards African Americans during the Great Depression.

The racism is also illustrated in the novel by the use of metaphors. After a bad day at school because of Miss Caroline, Scout learns a valuable lesson from her father. As Atticus gives advice to Scout, he says, ‘“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). One should look at others point of view and perspective. Since Atticus is involved with Tom’s case, he sees that Tom is innocent. Causcasians do not know how the African American community feels from the accusations and hardships they go through. If more could feel how the colored people are affected, they would stop cruel actions. In addition, racism is not acceptable to all, especially Scout. ‘“Well, Dill, after he’s just a Negro. I don’t care one speck. It ain’t right, somehow it ain’t right, to do’em that way. Hasn’t anybody got any business talkin' like that-it just makes me sick” (Lee 226), Scout says. She distinguishes right from wrong at a very young age, and realizes it is unacceptable for dark skinned people to be treated poorly. This angers Scout, as she knows Tom Robinson is not guilty, and is being convicted for a crime just because he is African American.