Racism is a theme that is largely addressed in To Kill a Mocking Bird. Harper Lee used the perspective and point of view of a child, Scout, to reveal racism in a authentic way. While Scout was growing up, she finds herself wrestling to learn the differences between right and wrong. One of the differences she had to learn was on racism. Though she was a strong character, she had to face prejudice for making the right choice of going against the society and not being racist. The theme of racism exists throughout To Kill A Mockingbird, as shown by the way Aunt Alexandra treats Calpurnia, the stereotype of Mrs. Merriweather, and the false accusation of Tom Robinson.
Aunt Alexandra thinks that there is no need for Calpurina to remain with the Finches since she could take over. Furthermore, she believed that she would be a better female influence for Scout. When Aunt Alexandra arrived, she immediately started to order Calpurnia around, “Put my bag in the front bedroom, Calpurnia.” (145) This was not a request, this was an order. Aunt Alexandra did not think Calpurnia was worthy of her greeting. Instead of actually getting to know her first, she immediately classfies her as her “enemy” because of her skin color. Aunt Alexandra might have been concern about the childrens’ safety, nevertheless, that does not give her any right to treat Calpurnia the way she did. Shockingly, she even tried to convince Atticus to let Calpurnia go because she was not fit to substitute as a mother for the children.
There are many people who share the same “concern” as Aunt Alexandra. Obviously, Mrs Merriweather did not have a liking for the black people living in Maycomb. “Gertude, I tell you there’s nothing more distracting than a sulky darky. Their mouths go down to here. Just ruins your day to have ...
