In honor of Book Lovers Day, people across social media shared their favorite books and the significance of them. Many shared the lessons that these books have taught them that we can still utilize in everyday life. While looking at what others posted about their favorite books, I was reminded of my favorite book, "To Kill A Mockingbird". The lessons I learned in this book are timeless and are especially relevant for race relations today in America. I read this book in seventh grade and it has resonated with me since then. The wise words written in this novel show us how powerful a pen and paper can be by tackling issues that we still trying to tackle today. This book gave me insight on how race is embedded in our society and the idea of race is instilled into us at a young age. It is a book that everyone needs to read simply because it teaches us about the human experience.
One of the most iconic quotes from "To Kill A Mockingbird" is "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." This is said by Atticus Finch, the father of the protagonist, Scout Finch, when she tells her father about her teacher's strict ways at school. Although this scene happens early in the novel, this quote seems to be a theme that carries throughout the plot and relates to human life. As a white young girl growing up around racism, she does not understand why there is so much hate and animosity toward blacks. When she questions race relations, Atticus often tells her that she will understand when she gets older. However, this quote is one lesson that he teaches that shows us that no matter what age we are, we can only understand others if you look at things from their perspectives. Although it is not as simple as it sounds, we should try to be more aware of the situations of others to gain insight on why they may behave a certain way. Today some people do not understand the purpose of organizations such as Planned Parenthood and Black Lives Matter, but if people took the time out to understand why people support these groups, they would not be so quick to judge. People are allowed to form their own opinions but they should not base them off of false facts, Atticus instilling this into Scout.
Since the plot takes place in the South during the 1950s and '60s, there is tension between the blacks and whites. Atticus tries to teach Scout to not have a prejudice against blacks and form her own opinions, yet it is difficult when she observes how they are treated by other adults. Scout's narration of the plot shows us how children are like sponges and absorb or imitate the behaviors of those around them. This lesson relates to how children today are being influenced by our leaders. One of the many fears of parents after Trump was elected to the presidency was how would children react. Parents were fearful that their children would be bullied because of their race because other children were observing their president doing the same. Thankfully, Scout had a strong father figure in her life who treated blacks and whites equally in order to be a good example for his kids. As a result, Atticus received backlash from whites for his equal treatment of people and Scout is bullied by other children who call her father a "nigger-lover". These are words probably spoken by their parents, their children using them to insult Scout. This is what happening today when children hear Trump calling immigrants and minorities negative terms and repeated them to bully others at school.
The relationship between Atticus and Scout shows readers how important it is to have role models in the lives of children. I think that this is what ultimately the plot is trying to convey throughout the novel. Scout has many influences throughout her childhood but the influence she values the most is her father. Raising the next generation of young leaders and innovators is important in helping our country progress in an upward direction. We should lead by example through our actions and inspire others instead of using our words to put down others. This is what will forever resonate with me about "To Kill A Mockingbird".
