Examples of Prejudice Today: the Status of African American

 '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.' Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird never fails to hit readers in the heart with a truth that is universally overlooked. Racial prejudice is an issue which is still prevalent today and one which is imperative to learn about. In this paper will be discussed examples of prejudice today.

This quote reveals the importance of understanding someone’s perspective before placing judgment on them. The piercing message that Lee’s novel still preaches in 2019 continues to challenge society’s ignorance regarding racial prejudice, voicing the heart wrenching question of: what is the price of this unjustified prejudice today?

Racial prejudice is “prejudice against or hostility toward people of another race or colour or of an alien culture” (Merriam-Webster). The lives of African Americans have always been tormented by Caucasian entitlement. The 60s, in particular, was a time of freedom movements and standing up for the voices of the oppressed.

The fundamental ideology of fear of difference continues to fuel discriminatory acts towards African Americans. Despite the change in perception of African Americans and an increase in effort to decrease these discriminatory acts, it is still an issue that is widespread throughout Western Society. “I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks,' says Scout.

To Kill a Mockingbird portrays these ideological aspects in a way that was relevant to the ideals of society during that time. With Harper Lee growing up in the 30s and writing the book in the 60s, she portrays devastating real-life scenarios that society in general would have turned a blind eye towards. Include example from book (scene). 

The treatment of African Americans today has improved from the 60s has improved but there is still room for change. Modern movements (black lives matter, etc.) For example, in court cases African Americans are still regarded with discriminatory labels or thoughts. The United States Sentencing Commission found that “black men serve sentences that are on average 19.1 percent longer than those for white men for similar crimes.'

Harper Lee portrays a similar situation in Tom Robinsons trial. Despite being innocent he was continually regarded as a threat, treated as though he was nothing more than an animal; inferior to the white who were convicting him.

In conclusion to the essay about prejudice examples today situations such as these do not happen as often as they use to; however, the fundamental beliefs which enable the discrimination to occur are still prevalent and must be brought to awareness. The racial injustice that occurs is stemmed from nothing more than a different skin colour. Innocent lives are constantly being ruined by this hateful nature of society, a nature which has only manifested and grown throughout our history.