It's not easy bein' green

          The novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee has been read and taught in schools for many decades. Some believe that it is somewhat outdated and shouldn't be taught anymore. However, I believe that it should continue to be taught and not replaced by more modern literature. There are valuable and timeless lessons taught in this novel that are as important to society today as they were back then. To Kill a Mockingbird is classic literature that has withstood the test of time because of its profound resounding message that is applicable and meaningful to everyone. Today, people have prejudices and make judgments about everything. We tend to stereotype people and treat them based off of how they look, talk, how good they are at sports, musical abilities, etc. Prejudices do not stop at race. In fact sometimes people are cruel without even realizing why. Following social pressures and society’s norm causes people to act in a way without thinking about it or questioning their motives. It leads to the cruelty and bullying that emotionally destroys so many people. To Kill a Mockingbird points out the effects of people’s cruelty without reason. How it affects not only the person immediately, but also the society, both children and adults.

I think we can all learn from Scout’s message when she says,

                        “Naw, Jem, I think there’s just one kind of folks. Folks." 

A large theme of this novel is that before we judge a person we should put ourselves in their shoes. “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.” It’s only when we put ourselves in their point of view that we can make the best decisions of how to act towards them. 

This novel teaches of adults’ tendency to become desensitized to prejudice. When Scout, Dill, and Jem find themselves sickened by injustice, racism, and dishonesty, the town continues to do what is looked highly upon, rather than doing the right thing despite what people think. It shows that children have a certain innocence and awareness that we lose over time. Their compassion and empathy for people is something that should be kept especially as we grow older and enter professional settings.

Atticus is an example of integrity inside and outside of the home. He taught his children the importance of following your conscience no matter the circumstances. So often there is a separation of public and private virtue. People act differently when around other people than they do by themselves and compromise their integrity to be looked upon favorably by society. Atticus stood strong by his conscience even when he knew he would lose. He said....

.... You rarely win, but sometimes you do.”

To Kill a Mockingbird teaches timeless lessons and talks about problems that we as a society continue to face today- lessons regarding racism, prejudices and judgments, constant integrity, and so many others. For these lessons and many other reasons, To Kill a Mockingbird should continue to be taught in schools.