IndexIntroductionBodyConclusionBibliographyIntroductionRacism is a pervasive problem that has plagued societies throughout history, and literature often serves as a reflection of these social prejudices. In Harper Lee's iconic novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, the character Miss Maudie Atkinson is often seen as the voice of reason and morality. However, a closer examination of his dialogue reveals instances where he displays racist undertones. This essay aims to explore these cases and their implications, shedding light on the complexity of racism and challenging the idea of ​​Miss Maudie as an entirely virtuous character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body One of the instances where Miss Maudie's racist beliefs become apparent is in her remarks about African Americans. In a conversation with Scout, he casually states, "There are some good but misguided people in this town who think they're doing the right thing by giving them the church and all that" (Lee, p. 124). This comment suggests a belief in the superiority of the white population and implies that African Americans need guidance from their white counterparts. It perpetuates the harmful “white savior” stereotype and reinforces the idea that Black individuals are inherently inferior. Additionally, Miss Maudie's comments about the African American community's church attendance highlight her racial prejudices. She states, “They're church-going people, most of them, but they're just as susceptible to a good revival as anyone else” (Lee, p. 124). This statement implies that African Americans are more likely to be influenced by emotional or religious manipulation, further perpetuating racist stereotypes and prejudices. Miss Maudie's racist remarks have significant implications for the overall narrative and depiction of racial dynamics in Maycomb. First, his comments contribute to the normalization of racism within the community. As a highly respected member of Maycomb society, her words carry weight and influence the attitudes of those around her. By perpetuating and validating racist beliefs, Miss Maudie inadvertently contributes to the perpetuation of discrimination and inequality. Furthermore, Miss Maudie's racism highlights the complexity and nuances of racism itself. It demonstrates that even individuals who are generally considered morally upright and kind-hearted can harbor racist beliefs. This challenges the notion of racism as the exclusive domain of openly evil individuals and highlights the need for self-reflection and awareness of unconscious bias. While Miss Maudie's racist remarks are undeniable, it is important to recognize the contradictions in her character. Throughout the novel, she is portrayed as a compassionate, progressive woman who defends Atticus and supports racial equality. For example, he states, “His food doesn't stick, does it?” when referring to Calpurnia's cuisine (Lee, p. 59). This commentary challenges prevailing stereotypes about African American cooking skills and highlights Miss Maudie's empathy and fairness. These contradictions raise the question of whether Miss Maudie's racism is the result of ignorance or a reflection of the deeply ingrained racial prejudices present in Maycomb. It is possible that he is unaware of the harm his comments can cause or that he has internalized social prejudices without critically examining them. This complexity adds depth to his character but also serves as a reminder that racism can exist even in individuals who are admired and respected within, 1960.