Lulu stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Call?””
Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Ch. 12, bottom of page 158.
In this scene Lulu makes issue to Calpurnia about these white people visiting a black church, when they have their own. Calpurnia then states that if we all worship the same God whose message is about forgiving, acceptance, and tolerance, then we should all be able worship under the same roof.
The situation that occurred in To Kill A Mockingbird is sometimes seen in our world today. Due to segregation, now and then, we typically have black churches in black communities, and white churches in white communities. In society racial intolerance, and the resentment of racism can compromprise peoples moral composes, to the point of disrespecting another race in order to maintain racial division. This can not only be seen in churches, but also in schools.
The theme that connects to this scene is damage done bye racism. In this situation, Lulu is resentful of racism. During the Great Depression, living in a world where your thoughts were less than human, tore many blacks apart internally. The one place where they felt uplifted or rather than belittled was in their own communities, or church. When Calpurnia showed up to church with Jem and Scout, Lulu feared the fact of the white people taking away or destroying their safe haven.
I agree with you, Javen. It has almost been 100 years since the start of the Great Depression and the racism that came along with it. Yet, there are still so many things in this world that are segregated such as churches and even some schools. It is really shocking how big of an issue racial division and racism is.
I totally agree Javen. It seems very ironic that Lula is saying Jem and Scout shouldn't be at their church when they are all worshipping the same god. It is a shame that even now there is still segregation in churches.
I agree Javen. Although there is said to be equality in society today, there is still racial discrimination and division throughout towns and even in our school systems. I couldn't agree with Sam more about the irony in this specific quote. It's such a shame that these problems still exist today.
I agree with you, Javen. We as a civilization have come so far since the Great Depression, yet racsm still exists today in cities, villages, schools and can even be between neighbors. A specific race of people can't destroy a safe haven, only the ones extreme enough to do it.
I agree Javen. It's so odd to think that Lula doesn't want Scout and Jem in the black church when they're worshiping the same god. It's sad to think that there is still segregation in churches today.
I agree with all of the above. Church is supposed to be a safe place, but segregation has taken place in so many, that people aren't feeling as safe as they should be. There shouldn't be an issue with the color of the skin in churches, because everybody that goes there goes to worship the same God, it's tragic.
I agree with you . I find it odd that Lula would say things like that infront of children , and isn't church supposed to be for all anyways ? I find this part of the chapter very depressing.
I agree with you, Javen. Its not right of Lula to try and exclude Scout and Jem from the church, when the god they are worshipping is the same one, and the prayers they say are the same ones.
I completely agree with you Javen about the theme. I wrote something very similar, it does appear that they looked at the Church as a form of a safe haven from all of the racism in the world. It is crazy to think that not to long ago the color of our skin decided where we could and could not worship God and not our beliefs.
“The only church in Maycomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves (…) Jem said, let’s go home, Cal, they don’t want us here.” pg. 157-158
In this scene, Calpurnia talks to Lula about Jem and Scout and why she was going to church with them. It was not in a good circumstance since Lula was resentful of why whites are going to black church.
During this historical period (1930’s) African Americans were discriminated in the United States by white people. “The problems of the Great Depression affected virtually every group of Americans (…) Racial violence again became more common, especially in the South. Lynchings, which had declined to eight in 1932, surged to 28 in 1933.” Every place, including churches, showed some discrimination to colored. Today, there is not segregation but racism stills. As we read To Kill A Mockingbird, we can notice that people like Atticus and Calpurnia don’t care about what the others think of African Americans so they come together.
The theme that connect to this scene is the damage done by racism. Calpurnia is just trying to stop segregation taking the kids to the church due to there is only one God but the problem is that on Sundays only black people can go to First Purchase African M.E. Church. When they get there, Lula, a tall Negro woman, stand behind them doesn’t letting them go in. She wants them to get out of the church because Jem and Scout are white and during 1930’s, black and whites didn’t mix.
Hi Maria, I agree with you that racism still exists, but I believe that segregation, although not as largely as it used to be, is still present in today's world. I feel that it is not only out in the world but in some people who purposefully separate themselves from others who are different or not like the kind of person or people they are used to.
I agree with you Sophia. I believe that racism and segregation used to occur a lot more than now, but it definitely still exists. People should not be judged based on their skin color. Lula should not have cared that Jem and Scout were present in church with her.
I agree with your blog Maria and the comments before me . I feel that even to this day many people try to have little to no contact with the other races . Which in my opinion bothers me in a sense that we shouldn't be judged on how we look but the actions we commit or the characteristics we show.
I think that in this scene not only Jem and Scout suffered their first experience with racism. For someone to do something mean first I think they have had a experience with that. Lula has her reasons to be saying those mean things to the kids. She also suffered of racism and maybe that is why she is being mean to them and saying that they have their own church.
“You ain’t got no business bringin‘ white chillun here—they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” page 158 In this scene, Lula, a woman at Calpurnia's church, is aggravated with Calpurnia because she brought Scout and Jem, two white people, to an all black church on Sunday. What I find disturbing is that the segregation during the Great Depression in the South is strong that it even reached churches and other holy buildings. In many monotheistic religions, all worshipers are equal under the eyes of their deity. This scene disproves that religious law and not all are considered equals. If someone truly believes in this, they wouldn't mind if you are different in some way. Unfortunately, although segregation is over, there is still racism today and it comes from fear. Not hatred, but a fear of something different and awkward.
I agree with you, Max. It has been a long time since the Great Depression and yet there is still racism today. For example, what is going on in Ferguson. It is not right at all that people are still not treating the same even after all that this country has been through. I do not think that racism with ever go away, but the best thing that we can do is simple, don't be racist.
I agree with the fact that segregation during the great depression was quite disturbing. It forced many races to treasure, and protect places where they felt valued, safe, and appreciated for their worth. This is what prompted Lulu to say this to Miss Cal. I still believe some segregation lingers in our society especially when it comes to churches, because we typically have black churches in black communities, and white churches in white communities.
I agree with you. God is God. Monotheistic religions believe in the same God, and Calpurnia brought this up after Lula stated this. She said that they believe in the same God, so why should they have to be told where to worship him? Thankfully, our nation has made many leaps to lead away from a racist environment, but there are still groups that don't cooperate.
I agree with you Teddy. Many people nowadays have improved their segregated ways, however, there are many other groups that choose not to, and it is very sad, especially since many of them believe in the same God.
“I wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to nigger church.”...”You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” (Chapter 12 page 158)
In this situation, Calpurnia brings Jem and scout, two white children, to an all black church. Lula stops Calpurnia, Jem and Scout to question Calpurnia about why she would bring two white children to an all black church. Calpurnia responds by explaining that they all share the same god, no matter what race you are.
What I find disturbing is that we read this book and think to ourselves about how awful the discrimination and segregation sound but, in reality, this all exists today. Discrimination in our world has decreased but there are still incidents that occur that make us wonder if our world still has discriminating factors. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ferguson-case-racial-and-gender-makeup-of-grand-jury-revealed/ What I have linked above is an artical on a much talked about case. The Ferguson case. This is a case that many people believe to have been a discriminatory case. Michael brown was a young black male that was shot under false pretences. A policeman shot this man because he thought he was in possession of a deadly weapon which he was not. Michael brown was killed. People believed that the only reason Michael brown was thought to have a deadly weapon was because he was black. That is discrimination that exists in our world today.
This scene shows the damage done by racism. Lula may feel unsafe around white people because racism has caused her to believe that all white people are born and raised to dislike the blacks. The church may have been the only way for her to feel like she fit in and feel safe. Racism has damaged people into believing things that may not be true. Calpurnia is trying to go to church and have a good time but people have ideas about what Jem and Scout think about black people which make the people in that church hesitant to welcome them. This also shows that people felt so segregated and discriminated that they could not allow two white children to participate in church. That shows how much racism affected and damaged people.
I agree with you, Francesca. It is shocking to see how events in this book are so similar to problems in today's world. The book is set in the 1930's and somehow we still have issues with racism. It really makes you wonder, why have we not moved passed these issues?
I disagree with you, Francesca. The strides we as a country have made in human rights are tremendous. We are one of the few countries that gives equal opportunity to all races, sexes, and ages. Situations like the Ferguson case are few and far between in this day and age in America. I think we are in a drastically better place in terms of equality than we were in 1930.
I both agree and disagree with you, Francesca. I do think that there is still some discrimination and racial intolerance in society today. However, I also think that this country has taken a huge leap to help end these problems and I would have to agree with Rory. The United States offers so many different things that other countries do not. I myself am so grateful to live in a place where I am granted rights that people all over the world are denied. While I do think that there have been many cases of discrimination in the past years, I do not think that this country is even close to where it was in the 1930s regarding racial discrimination.
“Cal, I know Tom Robinson’s in jail an’ he’s done somethin’ awful, but why won’t folks hire Helen?” I asked…”It’s because of what folks say Tom’s done” She said. “Folks are’nt anxious to-to have anything to do with any of his family.” Middle of page 164
In this scene, Scout is asking Calpurnia why Helen, Tom Robinsons wife, can’t find work. Calpurnia responds by explaining how the people of Maycomb that think that Tom did something wrong do not want to be affiliated with his family. Therefore, nobody wants to employ his wife.
What I find disturbing is how there has not yet been a trial for Tom, yet everyone in Maycomb is assuming that he committed the crime based on his race. There was so much racism during the time period in which the book was written and the racism is clearly shown in the town of Maycomb. The people of Maycomb are being prejudice towards Tom just because of his race, when in reality they do not have any proof that he did anything yet. This reminds me of the situation that has been going on in Ferguson today. We do not know all of the information about the case yet many people assume that the black kid was in the wrong even when they have little proof. It shows how much racism is still left in the world today. Here is the link to an article from the New York Times about the case in Ferguson.
This scene in the book has to do with the damage done by racism which is a huge theme in the book. Tom Robinson is being accused of rape and is set to have a trial soon. His wife desperately needs to find a job but the people of Maycomb deny her this opportunity. Since Helen's husband is being accused of rape, nobody wants to hire her and she can not find a job anywhere. This puts her family in a bad position because they do not have a source of income. The reason this has to do with the damage done by racism is because Tom is being accused of rape when there is little evidence. Since he is on trial because of the racism in the town of Maycomb, his family is being hurt financially since Helen can't find a job.
I agree with your text to text and text to world connections very much. I also find it disturbing that Tom Robinson is being accused of rape based on his race. It bothers me that everyone believes that it was him eve though he has not been proven guilty. I wonder how many people were accused of crimes they did not commit because of their race.
I agree Danny. It is terrible that the people in Maycomb are assuming Tom Robinson is guilty because of his race. However, I think it is even worse that they won't hire Helen because of it. Even if Tom is guilty, it isn't his Helen's fault.
I strongly agree with Danny. Its quite depressing that even with the little evidence there is, the person of a different race gets accused of rape. Even though the Ewells are an untrustworthy family, the other whites side them and make life and miserable, and difficult for the Robinsons to survive.
I agree Danny. It's so sad to think of the effect Tom's accusations had on the rest of his family, even though there is hardly any evidence suggesting that he committed rape in the first place. It's bad enough that people assume Tom is guilty just because of his race, but to not hire his wife because of these beliefs is horrible.
I strongly agree, Danny. A person in the United States has the right to remain innocent until proven guilty, stated in the 6th Amendment. It's sad to think that some individuals were seen as guilty before given a fair trial just because of their race. It;s even sadder to think about how this discrimination still occurs today in cases such as the Zimmerman trial.
“First Purchase African M.E. Church was in the Quarters outside the southern limits, across the old sawmill tracks. It was an ancient paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Macomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves.” Middle of page 157
In this quote, Scout is describing where the African American church is located. She explained that the church looked rundown with its paint-peeling frame. She also touched on how the church earned its name. It was called First Purchase due to the fact that it was bought from the first earnings from freed slaves. Later on in the chapter, people gave Cal and the kids a hard time about going to the black church while they have their own. But Cal touched base how they all believed in the same things ; tolerance and acceptance were two of the key aspects everyone believed in. Lastly, the chapter also explained how racism was a main point (or theme) in this chapter.
During the great depression racism was common, and thus lead to the separation of the two. Almost everything was separated, or had separate areas only for African Americans. Churches, bathrooms, water fountains and even schools were separated. As Scout surveyed the area, she noticed there were no books, decorations or real pews. She compared her findings to her own church. There were books, decorations, real pews and was in much better shape. You could tell due to her explanation of the surroundings, thought filled questions, curiosity and also the condition of the church. Back then, even in the great depression when there was almost no money, African Americans had even less. But even today racism still sadly exists and is still a thought that still occurs today. So many people are accepting and believe in acceptance, but a few remain against acceptance.
This quote shows the effect of racism over the town of Maycomb. Racism affected the peoples thoughts, how a person was treated, the amount of money earned from a job, and their education level. Later on in the chapter Calpurnia explains to Scout how only four people in the congregation at Calpurnia's church are literate. Calpurnia was part of the four while her son Zeebo was also literate. Due to racism, education was scarce and even if there was education it wasn’t quality education. Scout later on learned that her grandfather gave Cal a book that started her education. Ever since then Cal has almost been part of the family, and has seen how the Finch household was like no other.
First of all, you used a great quote for your blog! I used the same concept of how they all believed in the same things, but I used a different quote. I like how you took a different approach and worked off of a quote describing how the church looks. You clearly dug deep into this quote. Great supporting details such as the segregated bathrooms and fountains as well. You did awesome!
Compliments to showing such a deep meaning for a simple quote! I was awed by your use of many small details like Scouts grandpa's relationship with cal to make a big collage on your them.
Lula stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?”
Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Page 158
In this scene Lula has got a problem with white people coming to a black church, when white people have one of their own. Then Calpurnia says, that if we all worship the same God, then we should be able to worship him under the same roof.
What I find disturbing is that Lula doesn’t accept that some white people are not being racist for once and considering each other as equal. There was a lot of racism during this time period and to see that some white people are trying to fit in with black people, it scares the black people a little because they are so used to the racism. Racism still resides in some communities today in our world, and it just isn’t right, no one should be treated differently just because they have a different color on their skin.
This scene has to do with the damage done by racism which is one of the major themes in this book. Lula doesn’t think that Calpurnia is going to the church to be kind, Lula thinks that Calpurnia is going to be mean like everyone else. This is damage done by racism because Lula is used to being treated differently and unfairly because she is black and so she assumes that all white people are racist which isn’t true, an example of this is in this scene.
I agree with what is said in your second paragraph. It's kind of weird to think that Lula is so against Jem and Scout going to her church. There is no need to segregate when you both believe in the same god.
I agree with both of you. Its awful to think that something like this happened. I do see how it would be tough after going through racism for so long for people to get along. Segregation can do very harmful things and are sometimes is hard to un-do.
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Page 158
In this scene, Lula aggressively questions Calpurnia as to why she is bringing Jem and Scout to the colored church. Clearly, Lula didn’t want Scout and Jem there.
In comparison to the world today, churches are still one of the least likely places that white, black, asian and hispanic Americans will encounter each other. Whites make up more than 90% of mainland Protestant churches, while more than 9-in-10 members of historically black churches are black.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Back then and even somewhat today, churches and places of worship are heavily segregated. In connection to the book, different place of worship is just another rift between the two races. As evident in the quote, Lula was angry and upset that Jem and Scout came to the black church when all of them are still worshipping the same god.
I completely agree with your third paragraph. Although I have not done much research, I find the data that you entered to be believable. Many people think that there is no more segregation today, but most churches in this area will either be a white, or black dominant. Not yet in my lifetime have a seen a church where the amount of blacks, and whites in a church are somewhat equal.
I like the connection in the third paragraph of modern churches today. What a shocking statistic to prove your point. When I go to church, almost all of the people attending are whites. This shows that the world has not changed since 100 years ago. It is unbelievable the common citizen is so oblivious to modern day segregation.
I agree with your opening statement on churches in the third paragraph. A church and any other holy building should be tolerant of all who come to worship. They will all be praying to the same god(s). Also, a church should be the least likely place to have a discrimination if one of the most important rules is tolerance of others.
I agree with everything that is said here. Churches are very heavily segregated which is why I feel that Lula was so frustrated. I like what is said in the third paragraph as well. There is no need to separate churches when the people in them are believing in the same spirit.
"'They can't read.' 'Can't read?' I asked. 'All those folks?' 'That's right,' Calpurnia nodded. 'Can't but about for folks in First Purchase read . . . I'm one of 'em'" Ch12, p165
In the text, Jem suggests that First Purchase church save up money to buy hymn books. Calpurnia says it would not do any good. Calpurnia explains to Jem and Scout that she is one of four blacks in Maycomb who can read.
What I find disturbing is that most of the white folk in Maycomb can read fluently and are well educated. The educational difference is so monumental it is incredible, really. In the 1930s, slavery has been abolished for over 60 years, and still there is no equality in rural Alabama. I think that Cal is showing the kids something that they need to see, because they are getting to an age where they no longer need to be shielded from the brutal reality of racism and segregation. In contrast to today, where education is something that almost 100% of Americans have access to, there was a tremendous issue for blacks.
This scene connects to the idea of the damage done by racism, which is one of the main themes of To Kill A Mockingbird. The racists in Maycomb - and most of the south in the 1930s- completely restrict education for blacks. There were many obstacles that blacks faced on top of education, for example voting rights. Blacks in the south were not able to become registered voters until the 1960s when Martin Luther King marched and protested for civil rights. Maycomb is just an example of the countless towns and cities where the damage done by racism is stupendous.
I found your thoughts on the ideas of slavery being abolished, yet there still being no equality very intriguing. This is a very thought provoking point, and I am glad you brought it up in your entry. Even though slavery was abolished in the 1860's, almost 100 years later was the time that Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream speech," which was meant to promote equality. This shows that even 100 years after slavery was abolished people still were treating the African- Americans with no respect. Unfortunately, abolishing something doesn't always make it leave everyone's minds forever.
I strongly agree with your thoughts in the second paragraph. It is really quite disturbing to think that Calpurnia was only one in four blacks that could read Maycomb. Now (as you mentioned) most kids have access to education in our country.
I agree with you in the sense that evidently people with white skin seem to be much better educated than African Americans, which upsets me because everyone equally deserves to be educated, and I understand that some may not be able to afford school, but that saddens me even more because most people that cannot afford to attend school are the colored. The African Americans should not have any more difficulty than the whites just because of their skin color.
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church ain’t it Miss Cal?” Chapter 12 Page 158
In this scene, Lula, a woman who attends Calpurnia’s church, is speaking to Cal. She says that there is no reason Cal should have brought Scout and Jem to the African American church. Lula says that white people have their own church, and that is where they belong. Calpurnia responds by saying that the children are her company, and that they can be there because they all worship the same God.
During this time period, much segregation between African Americans and Caucasians existed due to the Plessy vs. Ferguson case which provided the basis for the saying “separate but equal.” Basically, this case stated that segregation was legal as long as equal facilities were created for both blacks and whites, which rarely happened. This explains why Lula believes that Scout and Jem don’t belong in her church. Racism was also very common, especially in small towns down south like Maycomb, Alabama from the book.
Unfortunately today, there is still much debate about racism and discrimination.This theme of the damage done by racism is appearing more and more in society today. For example, many African Americans and other minorities living across the nation feel that their treatment by law enforcement is not equivalent to the treatment of other groups. Throughout the years, there have been many debatable cases that relate to this belief of inequality. More recently was the case in Ferguson, Missouri, in which a young black boy was shot to death by a white police officer. The officer stated that Michael Brown, the boy, had threatened him and had reached for his gun, while witnesses report that Brown had held his hands up in the air, and had clearly surrendered, while the police officer fired several shots at him. These two very contradicting accounts have led to many riots and other acts of violence around the country, and people want answers regarding the case.
Both Tom Robinson and Michael Brown were African American men. Although the case of Michael Brown was only last year, it is arguable that his race played a role in how he was treated. Do you think that even today, race, ethnicity, and/or other cultural aspects play a role in the treatment of one by law enforcement, teachers, etc.? If so, what steps do you think we as a nation should take to eliminate this discrimination?
Kathryn, I like the article that you linked to your blog post. Also, I agree with you when you say racism and segregation are very common in small southern towns. Do you think that maybe there's more racism down south because there's a larger colored population?
I agree with you, Kathryn. It is still very questionable if everyone is equal under the law. Based on current events today, like your article, there is definitely an imbalance between the races under the law. It is so shocking how similar events in the book are to real world events today.
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n,”... “It’s the same God, ain’t it?”- Page 158.
This is said by Lula, a member of Cal’s church, when Scout and Jem join Cal in the Sunday church service. Calpurnia defends the children by saying that if they both follow the same God, then you should be able to worship wherever you please.
Thankfully, I have found that in modern times these situations are rare to come by. While being confirmed, I was sent with my class to an African-American church to see the similarities and differences between my church and this one. Although there were many differences in the style of prayer, all the church’s regulars were very welcoming and even gave us special treatment. I know that in other parts of the world there are many groups that are not as welcoming as some that I have met, and with this in mind it makes me even more grateful to live in such a phenomenal community and country.
Without a doubt, this situation connects to the theme: the damage done by racism. Reading deeper into the quote, you will find that within the small town of Maycomb, Alabama there are two churches. One for the whites, and one for the blacks. Although this was very common during this historical time period, that doesn’t make it okay. Separating the young children and teaching them to dislike, and maybe hate another race is a horrible thing to do. Although, they wouldn’t feel this idea damaging them, it still would in a very serious way.
I agree with the fact that these situations (segragation in schools and judging based on race for example) which so obviously reflect the effects of racism on society are diminishing. However, I find it interesting that churches continue to be more segregated than other parts of life. It makes me wonder why this is.
I completely agree with what is said in the second paragraph, I like your text-to-self connection. The third paragraph is very well written too. I also agree that teaching little children the wrong concept on life can be very damaging. I thought everything was very well said. Good blog.
I agree with you 100% Teddy. I wrote about the same quote. I think it's great that you went to an African- American church! Your text-to-self connection wasn't forced at all and I like how you compared and contrasted your church to the African-American one.
"That's a compliment... He spends his time doin' things that wouldn't get done nobody did em'." Page 155.
In this scene, Scout and Jem are looking at the cartoon written in,"The Montgomery Advertiser" that was captioned,"Maycomb's Finch." When they read the cartoon, it showed Atticus barefooted and in short pants chained to a desk. While he was writing on a slate, a few girls were yelling,"Yoo-Hoo!" at him. Jem tries to explain to Scout after that, that it was a compliment instead of an insult.
During the time period of the story taking place, segregation was a big factor in the life of Americans. Because of Atticus having to defend an African-American in a court case, it was very controversial at the time. It takes lots of courage to stand up for someone who isn't considered a "part of the crowd", which is why unfortunately today I think many people are looked down upon in today's society without anyone to be there for them.
Showing the decision of Atticus in defending Tom Robinson in the important case, Atticus can represent the symbol of true courage. Can there be a lack of courage in the average person in today's society? What can be some possibilities, other than race, that could connect to the situation and the representation of true courage.
That's an excellent point. I agree with your proposition that Atticus himself represents courage. All throughout the book, he always seems to be doing the right thing, no matter if it's difficult. A lack of courage, I believe, would imply a lack of wanting to do the right thing. Anybody can show courage if they believe in the cause enough. However, often, people today don't have a cause to fight for to show their courage.
I defiantly agree that Atticus represents true courage. It is interesting how you pointed out that there is possibly a lack of courage in society today. I do believe that there is. In modern times people tend to be more careful in their choice making by analyzing how it could possibly affect them. Atticus on the other hand understands that his actions will reflect back to him yet he takes the case anyways.
“‘It’s time you started bein’ a girl and acting right!’ I burst into tears and fled to Calpurnia.”
Here, Jem emphasizes Scout’s flaws to her saying she needs to act more ladylike. He is growing up and accidentally hurts Scout’s feelings.
This is very inconsiderate of Jem, however, may be to expected. Jem is twelve and needs to form a new set of values now that he’s older. He’s still learning to pay attention to others’ feelings so that he can avoid hurting them. Everybody today must make the same choices as they grow up. They must learn who they are and what is important to them. Since Jem is still learning about himself and the world, he accidently makes the mistake of offending his little sister by bringing up a debated topic in his sister’s life. Scout is already being ridiculed for her tom-boy behavior.
On the other hand, Scout is exceedingly insulted at Jem’s comment. She is destroyed that Jem, her only brother and best friend, thinks that she must change. She likes how she is and doesn’t want to change even if her family and friends think she should. Jem and Atticus always backed her up on this topic saying she can act like whoever she wants to. Jem’s disapproval crushes Scout. This shows the importance of a family’s support and agreement because Scout needs somebody in her life to help her get through the criticism she’s facing from practically everybody else. The loss of her brother’s satisfaction was more important than everybody else’s distaste combined to Scout. (Pg. 153, paragraph 2)
Hi Abby, I agree with you when you say that Scout looks to Jem as a best friend, and he had hurt her feelings by telling her to act more like a girl. Jem is growing to be more of an independant, young man, and his patience at the time does not include Scout, however she does not understand this, so she cries and takes offense, even though with time, Jem will adjust.
I agree that Scout is often corrected for her tom-boyish behavior. I also find that when Jem adds to these corrections with his own Scout is crushed. I believe that Jem is not only her best friend, but a role model in her life as well. I however think that there is nothing wrong with her behavior and they should let her be. Scout is still a child it is important not to be crushing her sprits because of the way she behaves.
“A few graves in the cemetery were marked with crumbling tombstones; newer ones were outlined with brightly colored glass and broken Coca-Cola bottles.”
This quote describes the cemetery adjacent to the church, First Purchase, which was the first thing bought by newly freed slaves. Thus, proving that religion is exceptionally important to the African Americans which worship there.
Set in a time in which racism and segregation were commonplace, scenes like this were not foreign. Before the times of “separate is inherently unequal,” white churches came complete with hymn books and comfy seats, and in comparison, the African American churches were unpainted with pine benches, as shown in To Kill a Mockingbird. First Purchase’s cemetery was a mess and disrespected. On weekdays, the church was used for white men to gamble. The church, accordingly, was not respected whatsoever. Today, times are changed and churches are not segregated. However, racism still exists. Even if the churches aren’t officially segregated, it’s not hidden that some religions and churches are meant for specific groups of people.
Thusly, the segregation of the churches has hurt and disrespected the deceased in the cemetery itself. Even though the deceased can’t feel or know they’re being degraded, the living can see it. Everybody attending First Purchase can see their rank just by looking outside their church’s window. This is heartbreaking and shows how great an effect racism can have. Everybody in the church is being humiliated by watching their ancestor’s grave be defaced. Racism is incredibly powerful. (Pg. 157, paragraph 8)
Hi Abby, I like that you noticed how First Purchase doesn't have nice pews or hymn books and during the week the church is used as a place to gamble. Both Jem and Scout were used to hymn books being in church and so when there were none both of the children were very confused as to why there weren't any. This also shows that the children were naive in that they had no idea that First Purchase wasn't equal to their church.
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Ch. 12, page158
In this scene, Lula, a tall Negro woman, notices and questions Calpurnia’s decision on bringing Jem and Scout to an all black church. Lula can’t help but to mention that they have their own church and belong there instead. Although, Calpurnia brings up a good point on how they all worship the same God and that it shouldn’t matter where or whom they worship with; regardless of their race.
What I find disturbing is how we have made little progress on promoting integration. It almost seems as if Brown vs. Board of Education never happened. http://www.propublica.org/article/segregation-now-the-resegregation-of-americas-schools/#intro I was shocked after reading this article, and it made me feel like a fool for believing that segregation was over. I learned that segregation exists in other parts of the country, but I haven’t noticed it where I live. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, from 1993 to 2011, the number of black students in schools where 90 percent or more of the student population are minorities rose from 2.3 million to 2.9 million. This means that minorities are still less likely to attend a school with people of a different race. I’m confused at the same time because I don’t understand why this is the case. At first, I thought that maybe the minorities felt like they belonged there. Regardless, this isn’t how I viewed our world today.
The themes that connect to this scene are the definition of courage and the damage done by racism. Calpurnia was very courageous during this scene for not only going against the social mores but by fighting for something she believed in. She knew it wasn’t “the right thing to do”, but she wanted to prove to Lula and the rest of the black community that Jem and Scout have every right to attend mass at their church. Segregation sets stereotypes towards one another and makes people feel less than human. It also makes people feel ashamed for being a certain race. Racism surely damaged people during the time of The Great Depression.
I agree in this scene Calpurnia was very courageous and she stood up for the kids when she said "its the same god ain't it" after Lula ignorantly told them they had their own church and had no reason being in the colored church. I also find it very disturbing how there are still segregation problems today.
"... called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves. Negroes worshiped in it on Sundays and white men gambled in it on weekdays." page 157
In this scene, Scout describes the church that Calpurnia goes to. Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church because Atticus is not in town. The children approach the church and are shocked by the landscape of the area. Calpurnia stresses the appearance of the children because she doesn't want to look like a fool.
During this historical period there were no mixed race churches. All of the churches were segregated. I find this disturbing because it makes no sense. All of the people going to church worship the same god, so why not with different people. I personally am not a very religious person. However the few times I have gone to church, every single person was white. It really surprises me that even how far we have come today in our society we are still segregated in certain areas. All over the world people are segregated in places where they are so similar to one another; like churches.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Mostly back then, but, somewhat today there is still segregation in churches. It doesn't make any sense. There is no need to segregate in a building of worship when the people in the church are worshiping the same god.
"Jem said, 'Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here-'" page 158
In this scene, Jem is telling Calpurnia that they should leave her church because of a comment made by Lula. Jem feels overwhelmed by the amount of people staring at him and wants to leave.
If I were Jem I would stay. Who cares if people want you to leave. Jem has the right to stay and worship as he pleases. It's a shame to see how someone would be looked down upon for going to a different skin-colored church. Even today in the world some people prefer to worship in a segregated church. Only about 5% of the nations' churches are integrated. It honestly blows my mind that people can't mix with one another.
The them that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Although separating races was very popular back then, it was truly an awful act. Having children separated because of their race is heart-breaking, having them taught to hate another race is even worse. The reason for this is because it starts a domino affect. One example of that is Lula. She was most likely taught as a child to hate opposite races and now she is spreading that knowledge as an adult. Racism is even more powerful than we thought.
"Reverend Sykes hesitated. 'To tell you the truth, Miss Jean Louise, Helen's finding it hard to get work these days'...'Folks aren't anxious to-to have anything to do with any of his [Tom Robinson] family.'" page 164
In this scene, Reverend Sykes explains to Jem and Scout why the church is collecting so much money for the Robinson family. Calpurnia also explains to the children that no one is interested in hiring Helen Robinson because of what Tom Robinson was accused of.
I strongly agree with the actions being done by Reverend Sykes. I think that it's very generous that he is getting the entire church to donate some money for Mrs. Robinson's troubles. In fact. Reverend Sykes is so anxious on getting money for the Robinson family that he locks the church until they have raised ten dollars. When I was seven years old my aunt was going through a very rough time. She had just gotten divorced, she lost her job, and she couldn't afford a place of her own. So, she lived with us for a year and then got back on her feet. I feel a connection between Reverend Sykes and I because we were both able to help someone in a time of need.
This is another scene that connects to the theme of the damage done by racism. Although we don't know if Tom Robinson actually committed the crime, we do know two things. Mr. Ewell is not a reliable source of information because he's a drunk. We don't if we can believe half the things he says. Also, Mr. Ewell is extremely racist. Because of this background knowledge, we can assume that Mr. Robinson was falsely accused due to his race.
I agree with you in that it was so generous of Reverend Sykes to collect money for Helen and her family. Sometimes we all go through hard times, which is why I think it is so great that in our world today we have so many places to go for support. If you cannot afford food, you can go to soup kitchens, or to local food pantries where they try to give you anything they can. Even in our school, we have food and clothes drives to help out those in need. It is so wonderful that we have people in the world who are so willing to help others that are struggling.
Zeebo explained to Jem, Scout, and Calpurnia, “we’re mighty glad to have you all here. Don’t pay no ‘tention to Lula, she’s contentious because Reverend Sykes threatened to church her. She’s a trouble-maker from way back, got fancy ideas an’ haughty ways-we’re mighty glad to have you all.” p.159
Even though Lula judged and questioned the presence of Jem and Scout attending a colored church with Calpurnia, Zeebo made it clear that they were all welcome. I feel that even though there’s much segregation and racism taking place throughout the world, especially in the time period of the Great Depression, there are still many kind people who see more than just the color of one’s skin color, like Zeebo. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an issue with segregation and racism.
Although there are many kind people, there are many unkind people as well. Racism and segregation was an issue during the Great Depression, and it still is an issue today, even though it is not as intense. Today, there are many hate-crimes targeted towards certain races, for example, http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/21/justice/san-jose-state-racial-bullying/ - on this link is an article about a boy who was attacked because of the color of his skin. It is tragic how, even today, racial crimes are being committed, and hopefully in the near future, the world will find a way to end it.
Lula’s harsh words towards Jem and Scout symbolize the theme in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee that damage can be done by racism. Scout and Jem did not feel welcome in the church, and they had wanted to leave until Zeebo’s kind words comforted them, but Lula’s words still prove the theme to be true.
I agree Sonny. I think that people like Lula still exist in the world today. At first Lula judges Jem and Scout because they are white but realizes that they don't want to cause harm. If more people in the world today would give people a chance maybe they would find things in common and racism as a whole would be eliminated today. I also really enjoyed the link.
I agree when you, Preston, say that people like Lula still exist in the world but we don’t know why do they have this behavior. Maybe some people act like that because they are prevented by all the damage that white people did to colored people.
I agree Sonny. There are many people today who see more than just skin color. I believe racism would not be as big of a problem as it is today if there were more people like that.
Similar to what I replied to other posts, a small act of kindness can go a long way for someone like Scout in which a small action like this can affect Scouts outlook in the future. Nice Job!
“It was an ancient paint -peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of free slaves.” Chapter 12, page 157.
This texts describes the church and explains how the church got its first name. I feel that the name of the church is so important. It grabbed my attention immediately. It makes reference to a very important time in history.
The theme that connects to this scene is freedom. This scene also shows hope, courage and dedication. It makes me realize how important religion was to the freed slaves. With their small wages they were able to make a “purchase” of this church.
“‘How’re we gonna sing it if there ain’t any hymn-books?’
Calpurnia smiled. ‘Hush baby,’ she whispered, ‘You’ll see in a minute.’
Zeebo cleared his throat and read in a voice like the rumble of distant artillery:
‘There’s a land beyond the river.’
Miraculously on pitch, a hundred voices sang out Zeebo’s words. The last syllable held to a husky hum, was followed by Zeebo saying,
‘That we call the sweet forever.’” Chapter 12 page 161
In this excerpt from the story, Scout is curious about how the members of the church will be able to sing without any books. Cal tells her that soon enough, she will find out. All at once, every person in the church begins to sing with Zeebo conducting. Scout and Jem usually go to the white church and they are very surprised when there are no books.
During this time period, public buildings, such as the church in the given scene, are segregated. In many cases, the buildings and facilities that were used by African Americans were very poorly equipped. For example, the all black church in the story doesn’t have any hymn books that people attending can use to follow along. Unfortunately today, this problem still exists. New statistics show that more than 40% of schools in low-income areas do not have as much state and local funds provided to them. Therefore, these schools do not have as large of a budget that they can use to accommodate the needs of students. Students in these districts are denied access to many resources that students in wealthier areas are granted. Overall, grades in wealthier schools are significantly higher than grades in poorer areas. Clearly, this statistic can impact the quality of learning throughout schools with high poverty rates. Similarly to how African Americans during the 1900s were deprived of well equipped facilities, many students throughout the nation are as well.
This scene relates to the theme of the damage done by racism. It is because of racism that segregation was implemented in the first place. This segregation then led to inequality among facilities provided to African Americans and Caucasian people. This scene gives a great example of the inequality because it shows how there are no books in the church.
“I wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to nigger church”… Lula stopped, but she said, You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Chapter 12, page 158
In this scene, Lula is saying to Calpurnia that Jem and Scout are not welcome in First Purchase A.M.E Church.. Lula was not glad to have them in a church only for black people. Instead of being welcoming, Lula was being racist to Jem and Scout.
I wonder why is Lula is being so mean to the kids. I have thought that white people were the ones who were racist to black people. If there is only one God, why do they have to be separate or be classified?
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Lula was also affected by racism. She suffered from this and that is why she is being mean to Jem and Scout. This is the first time Jem and Scout experienced racism from a black woman. This puts them into a unique position. In that time some of the white people felt so important that they had to separate themselves of the black people. Calpurnia defends the kids and tells Lula that if there is only one God and they can go to the church with her.
Yes I do agree. They shouldn't separated, it is the same God they a worshiping. I also think that she treats them like that because she sees how whites treat blacks and thinks that they are all the same, so of course she wants to defend her race
Hey Yeimi , I agree with you 100%. I also do think that due to Lula's past experiences with the whites is the reason why she is treating Scout and Jem the way she is .
“You ain’t got no business bringing’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’ n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Ch. 12, page 158
In this scene, Lula was trying to explain Miss Calpurnia that Scout and Jem do not belong in the church because their white. They can not be in the church so they must go to another one. Jem and Scout aren’t well welcome.
I strongly disagree with what Lula says. If I was in her place I would let white people go to whatever church they want. I would try to put white people and color people together because they believe on the same god.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Scout and Jem are being affected because of their color skin. Lula was being unfriendly and not kind to Scout and Jem because she was trying to treat them the way white people have treated her.
Hi! I agree that if you're worshipping the same God then why do people have to worship in different places? They should be free to go and listen to any priest in any church as long as they all believe in the same thing.
Hi Elizabeth, I agree with you when you say that white people and colored people would come together to the same church because there is only God. Although, we don’t know what happened to Lula to have resentment of whites.
“It’s not necessary to tell all you know. It’s not lady like in the second place, folks don’t like to have somebody around knowin’ more than they do. It aggravates ‘em. You’re gonna change any of them by talkin’ right, they’ve got to learn there’s nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language.” page 167
Cal was explaining why she was talking different in church to Scout. She was explaining that every people has a different way of speaking and you wouldn’t talk same to each people. When you talk in your way, different as people or when you talk too much, they might think that you are showing that you know more than them and then they will be angry with you because people show their education level as they talk..
I strongly agree with Cal because I do talk differently to other people and I try to not say too much to not make someone angry to me when I talk something. In my opinion,everyone needs to talk to different kinds of people differently. For example, you wouldn't talk to your grandparent how you talk to your friends in school.
It is important to many people to have their way to talk because it could be the way that their family talk and the way of talking can show their personality, education level and show the way they lives.
This connects to the theme of theme of the importance of home and family. The way people talk is learned from school and their family. Scout and Jem have an opportunity to learn to speak correctly from their father, Atticus, and from school. Calpurnia didn’t have parents who could teach her and she didn’t have the opportunity to go to school, so she taught herself by reading book and listening to the people around her.
I Agree. Not only in America but in other countries there are formal and informal ways of speaking to each other. Plus, if everyone spoke the same way, there wouldn't be diversity in languages.
‘Lula stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church ain’t it, Miss Cal?”’ page 158
In this part of the book Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church, First Purchase, for a Sunday mass, but when they arrived a woman named Lula didn’t like the idea of white children in a colored church. Lula wanted the children to stay in their church.
I strongly disagree with the idea that skin color separates people from worshipping the same God. In my church we have three priests of all different nationalities and skin colors and all of the people in the church are different too. Racism causes damage and I believe that my quote is an accurate example of that, because when Calpurnia and the children were confronted by Lula they were scared and wanted to leave, but it was the kind and caring words of Zeebo that made them feel more welcome.
I agree with you completely Sophia. Skin color should not separate people especially in a church. Both the blacks and the whites believe in the same god, so I don't understand why they couldn't go to church together.
” To tell you the truth, Miss Jean Louise, Helen’s finding it hard to get work these days...when it’s picking time,i think mr link Deas‘ll talk her.” Page 164
In this scene, Reverend Skyes, the pastor of african American church, is talking to Scout. He is saying that Helen Robinson is finding it hard to get a job because of what her husband, Tom is accused of doing.
I think that is unfair what is happening to the Helen Robinson because is not her fault that she married a dark color man for love, not for his race and now she is struggling to find a job. She has three children and depends on the collections from the church.
The is connected to the theme of justice in the United States. Helen is treated unfairly because she is black. In the setting of the book, black people are not treated equally. I think if Helen were white, she would be able to find a job.
"It was an ancient paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and a bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves" (Chapter 12. Page 157).
In this scene, the narrator talks about when the African Americans wanted to purchase a church, but they did not have a lot of money so they did the best they could and got a paint-peeled frame building. It makes me wonder how things would have been different if the people supported each other rather than arguing.
The themes that connect to this scene are the importance of home and family and the damage done by racism. Even though the church is not a home, the black people can feel safe, comfortable and equal. At the church, it is almost like they are one big family and they don't have to deal with the white people in the town where they get treated much differently. I also think that the separation of the races shows the damage done by racism because this church is just for blacks and the others are for whites. Neither race wants to interact with each other except for a few like Calpurnia and Jem. It is kind of sad that people who worship the same God could not do it together.
I feel that today things are very different because of the changes that have taken place in society. The church that I go to has many different types of people and they interact in many different ways. Today if you walk into most churches you wouldn’t be surprised to see a white and a black person sitting next to each other because in today's world everyone has equal rights and people aren't limited to a particular church. Also the priest at my church is black and back then that a black priest would not have preached to a mixed congregation. I think we have come a long way from racism. I am not saying that it is completely gone but there is definitely a lot less than there used to be. http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/18/bia.church.integration/
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” page 158
In this scene, Lula is complaining because Calpurnia brought Jem and Scout to church with her on a Sunday morning. Lula does not want the Finch children at church with Calpurnia because they are white.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. After Lula makes this statement, the children feel uncomfortable because they know that their presence is not wanted by some. I think that whites should have been welcome to join the blacks at church. Especially Jem and Scout, whose father does a lot for the black community. A black man, Tom Robinson, is being accused for rape and Atticus is defending him. Atticus believes that everyone is equal, no matter what race and I agree with him. Today, everyone is considered equal. Everyone would be welcome to church regardless of their race. I think that it is wrong that Lula does not want Scout and Jem in church with her. Both races believe in the same god, so they should belong to the same church.
I agree with you Cassidy because it shouldn't matter what our race is. We should all come together to make our world a better place. It is very upsetting to still see racism and segregation in today's society.
“Alec, shut the doors. Nobody leaves here till we have ten dollars.”
In this scene, Reverend Sykes is trying to collect donations for Tom Robinson’s wife, Helen. They do not collect ten dollars at first, so nobody can leave the church until enough money is donated. Eventually, people donate more money even though they don’t have much.
The theme that connects to this scene is the importance of home and family. Most of the people in this community have little money. They all still give what they have to Reverend Sykes for Helen Robinson, so she can provide for her family. These people are putting others living in their community before themselves. If I were Helen I would be very thankful. Her husband is being accused of rape and everyone is helping her get through this tough situation. This is similar to what I am learning in my global class. The Muslims had to give the poor a certain percent of money each year. Even if they owned very little, it was mandatory to give some of their money to the poor. In both situations, people are sharing what they have to help others, even if it is not much.
I agree with you 100%. People in that church community care for others when they are in need even though they do not have anything. People love and support each other and give when they barley have enough for themselves.
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Call?”
Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” page 158.
In this scene Lula, a lady who goes to Calpurnia’s church, is aggravated because Calpurnia brought Scout and Jem to church on a sunday. Lula has a dislike for white people so she is not pleased when she saw Scout and Jem. Lula complains to Calpurnia about these white people visiting a black church, when they have their own. Calpurnia then tells Lula that if we all worship the same God who says its all about forgiving then we should all be able worship together.
The theme that connects to this scene is damage done by racism. In this situation, Lula is resentful of racism. Before laws allowed all races to be apart, it was a very difficult life to live. People of the same race feel more comfortable living in their own communities or going got the same places with one another. So when Calpurnia showed up to church with Jem and Scout, Lula feared the fact of the white people taking what she had (church).
Lula stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin‘ white chillun here —they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Jem said, “Let’s go home, Cal, they don’t want us here—” I agreed: they did not want us here.
In this scene, Jem tells Calpurnia if Jem and Scout should leave or not. Lula doesn't want Jem and Scout to be here because of their color telling them that they have their own churches.
I feel that there was a lot of racism during that time but, not all white people were racist. There were some people that wanted to help them. Not only were they segregated but were poor. It is said that African Americans had 13 times less the payment. The theme here is the damage done by racism. We humans just because of color, lower payments and act horribly towards them. But, like Atticus there were some white people that respected them. Respected for their courage to stand up.
I agree with you, people shouldn't separate by their skin color. The black people and white people both believe in same god so they should go to same church.
It was an ancient paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves. Negros worshipped in it on Sundays and white men gambled in it on weekdays. Page 157. In this text, Scout is describing the First Purchase African M.E. Church, the church she and Jem go to one Sunday with Calpurnia. Here, she explains the differences on how blacks and whites use the church. “One’s man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is represented in this excerpt of the book, and this concept is still represented in the world today. In the book, First Purchase is used as a place of worship for the African American community, including Calpurnia and formerly, Tom Robinson. Places of worship are usually highly respected and well-maintained by the community, but the white community doesn’t seem to respect this building at all. White men use this place to gamble, something that is frowned upon in the Catholic world, which proves that they neglect the African-American’s place of worship that they very much respect. Today, this concept continues in instances such as a field trip to a museum where there are children who love and respect the exhibits while there are other children who disrespect the exhibits by fooling around and not caring if they disrupt anything. A theme that can connect to this excerpt is damage done by racism. The sacrilegious whites who gamble in the black church are being disrespectful to the African American community, and it probably offends them, but this is the norm in this racist society.
“There was no sign of piano, organ, hymn-books, church, programs-the familiar ecclesiastical impedimenta we saw every Sunday. It was dim inside, with a damp coolness slowly dispelled by the gathering congregation” Pg: 159 L: 23
When Jem and Scout arrive to their First purchase, they were greeted by Reverent Sykes, who led them to the front pew. Scout and Jem started to saw every details of the church and they noticed that this church is totally different to the church that they normally go.
During this historical period African Americans did not have enough resources to remodel the church, or to buy things that put a better appearance to the church. The church has hymn-books only for people who could read, but most could not read, so they sing by echoing the words that Zeebo, Calpurnia's son and the town garbage collector, reads from Their only hymnal.
The theme that connect to this scene are the damage done by racism, many of the people in The First Purchase did not have the opportunity to go to school they were not allowed years before, the situation in Alabama was worst than during the Great Depression , their whole life was just work , Jem and Scout learn about the inequalities of blacks who cannot afford the luxuries that white people enjoy.
Hi Karen, I agree with the part about how Scout and Jem noticed how Calpurnia's church was very different from the church that they normally go to. I think it was important that Calpurnia took them to her church because they were able to see the differences between how they were living and the things they had compared to how others were living during that time.
“Lula stopped, but she said ‘You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n” Page 158
In this scene, Calpurnia has taken Scout and Jem to her church only to be called out for bringing white children to a black church by Lula, a member of Cal’s Church. Calpurnia stands her ground and argues that they all worship the same god, so what is the problem.
What I find disturbing is the extreme levels of segregation in all aspects of their lives. Lula is very open and rude towards the children coming to the black church. Like many people of that time period Lula believed that black and white people should be separated. During the Great Depression segregation was very common. Thankfully today there is much fewer examples of such extreme racism however there continues to be inequalities between races and people continue to have harsh strong opinions like Lula towards different races.
This scene relates to the theme of the damages done by racism. The children are not welcomed into the church and treated rudely simply because of the color of their skin and the views of people at the time. Within small towns like Maycomb County separation in churches, schools, and public places was not uncommon. However, teaching children to feel superior to others because of their skin color is no way to live.
" I wants to know why you bringin' white children to nigger church " Pg 158
In this scene Calpurina is confronted by Lula a women who goes to the same church as her . She ask why Cal would Scout and Jem ( the white folk) to First Purchase African M.E if they already have their own church.
I wonder why Lula would say such things if the church is for people to feel safe , accepted and loved by their god. Does it bother her that Scout and Jem can come as they pleased and not be discriminated upon . Or maybe she doesn't like that the only place that she feels safe and at home with is being invaded. Many people still want and believe the world should be segregated by color , but people like Calpurina just wants to see everyone in harmony .
There are two themes tied into this scene and they are the meaning of courage and the damage done by racism . After Lula's rude comment towards Scout and Jem . Calpurina stands up to her and says that they are her guests and they can come as they pleased.
I completely agree! I was expecting most of the congregation to be kind and open towards Scout and Jem to set a good example for the African American community, as they are still young and new to the ways of their society. One good experience could drastically affect the way they see the world.
I agree that maybe Lula feels that the only place she feels safe is being invaded, but she also may feel a sense of injustice that whites can so easily attend an African-American mass at their church while blacks would be violently taken away if they were to even come close to a white church. This connects to the theme of true justice for all under the law in the United States, since rights are modified between races.
I agree with the fact that there are two very important themes in this scene of chapter 12. The damage done by racism takes a very important part in the novel. It's very upsetting and surprising to me that racism still exists today, even after what's occurred like sit-in's, riots, and wars.
“Cal,” I asked, “why do you talk nigger-talk to the—to your folks when you know it’s not right?” Page 167
In this scene, Calpurnia takes Scout and Jem to the church for black people because she is watching over them while Atticus is away for two weeks due to an emergency session called by the state legislature. While at the church, Calpurnia speaks incorrectly just like the other African Americans during their time at the church, including an African American lady who dislikes white people named Lula. This perplexes Scout. Scout asks Cal why she talks differently to her peers opposed to how she talks to Jem and her.
I strongly agree with Calpurnia because although she is educated and can speak correctly, she feels that it would offend her fellow people if she spoke that way to them. If you act as know you are above someone, even if it is unintentional, it can make them feel inferior. How would you feel if someone spoke to you in a way that was difficult for you to understand? Calpurnia understands that the way that you act changes for different audiences. I do this all of the time without realizing, too. When I walk over to my friends, I use colloquial language, such as “hey” or “sup.” When I talk to a teacher, or a person of higher authority, I speak more formally and politely in order to be respectful. It would seem out of place for me to speak to my peers as if they were teachers, or if I were to speak to my teachers informally as if they were my friends.
The theme of importance of home and family is present in this scene. Calpurnia is sensitive to the other people in her community by communicating with them in the same manner in which they speak. She was taught to respect be sensitive to others throughout her lifetime. Cal is trying to explain and teach Jem and Scout this lesson.
Calpurnia sighed. “Old Mr. Bob Ewell accused him of rapin’ his girl and’ had him arrested and’ put in jail-” (bottom of page 164)
In that part of the story, Calpurnia was talking to Jem and Scout after church about how Tom was accused of raping a girl and immediately thrown into jail.
What I find disturbing is that the whole town of Maycomb is in an uproar because Atticus is taking this case. They are calling him a “nigger lover” and despise the fact that he wants to help Tom. The whole town believes that Tom did the crime and deserves to be in jail when really there is no evidence against him yet.
After reading this chapter I decided to do some reasearch. I found an article that reminded me of what is happening to Tom. A man named Darryl Hunt (a black man) was convicted of the rape and murder of Deborah Sykes (a white woman) at age nineteen. There was no physical evidence pointing to Darryl having anything to do with the crime but was sentenced by an all white jury to life in prison. (The rest of the article is linked below.) http://listverse.com/2013/03/27/10-people-who-were-wrongfully-accused-of-heinous-crimes/
My answer to the theme, “ Is there really justice for all under the law in the United States?” is no. I think there is justice for some under the law in the United States but not for all. There are lots of statistics about how black males are more likely to be put in jail or arrested than white males. In another article it said, “The police stop blacks and Latinos at rates that are much higher than whites.”(....) “When whites were stopped, only 8% were frisked. When blacks and Latinos are stopped 85% were frisked according to information provided by the NYPD.” In my opinion, the legal system is becoming corrupted due to racial profiling. ( The link to the rest of the article will be down below. https://www.opendemocracy.net/bill-quigley/14-shocking-facts-that-prove-us-criminal-justice-system-is-racist
I totally agreed with your connection to our world today. I have heard stories of things happening like this in the United States justice system. There was a particular case recently regarding a black teenager being shot by a white man in Florida. The boy's name was Trayvon Martin, and although he was unarmed, the white man shit him due to racial profiling. He said he looked "real suspicious" when all Trayvon Martin had was candy and an iced tea. In the end, the white man, George Zimmerman, was acquitted even though he killed a young boy for no apparent reason.
I have also heard of a story from this year that relates to a very similar topic. In Ferguson, a white police officer shot and killed a black teen after the police officer said that he attacked him and had a gun, but the teen had no gun on him. This is just one in a string of incidents that have occurred between white police officers and black teens. Many of these have been the result of racial profiling. The officer in Ferguson was even acquitted of his actions, and was not charged with murder. This shows that not everyone is equal under the law, and if the man killed was white, would the officer be in prison for his action?
Since Atticus was not going to be home in time for church services he left Jem and Scout a dime each for the collection plate. Calpurnia was not not comfortable with sending the two young Finches to services at their church on their own so she brought the children to her church. After attending Calpurnia’s church with Jem, Scout realizes something about Cal’s behavior there. Scout says “Cal,” I asked “ why do you talk that nigger-talk to the- to your folks when you know it ain’t right?” “It’s right hard to say,” she said “Suppose you and Scout talked colored-folks’ talk at home it’d be out of place, wouldn’t it? Now what if I talked white-folks’ talk at church, and with my neighbors? They’d think I was puttin’ on airs to beat Moses.” page 167 Calpurnia is expected to speak with correct grammar while she talks to white people like the Finch family. When she speaks to people in her own community she is expected to speak as if she was not as educated. There were only four people at Cal’s church who could read, including Cal and her son Zebbo. Cal tells Jem and Scout that Granddaddy Finch was the one who taught her to read., At that time it was still virtually unheard of that a person of color could read. Even today inequality in education continues. Large urban areas have schools in low income areas that have larger than average class size which have an impact on student learning. “... and when they don’t wanna learn there’s nothing else you can do but talk their language.” This exchange between Scout and Cal shows the theme of damage done by racism because people of color were not supposed to be educated at all.
To build on your statements about how the way you talk makes people think about you, this still can be applied to the real world today. A person could walk into a job interview, with qualifications,and a great recommendation, but could talk slang and disrespect the boss that way. But a person with less qualifications could go to that same interview, talk intellectually and sophisticatedly, and get chosen for the job over the first person. The way that you present yourself says a lot about you, and can have a large affect on a life.
Shortly after Jem, Scout, and Calpurnia enter the black church, an African-American woman named Lula gives them trouble. Lula doesn’t like white people and tells Calpurnia that she cannot bring the Finch children into their church because they have their own church for white people. Calpurnia does not back down and Lula goes away with the help of the other African Americans in her church including Zeebo, Calpurnia’s eldest son. Page 158
In comparison to modern-day, there are still and always will be people who don’t like people that are different than themselves. In our world today, sometimes we cannot understand people who do not believe in the same things as us, look different than us, do different things than us, or just are different. We feel threatened just like Lula is in the novel. She doesn’t want Jem and Scout to be in the black church because she feels it is the property of her community. In our world today, people still feel threatened by people who are not the same as them resulting in many terrorist groups today. Isis is one of these terrorist groups who target anyone who is not Islamic and do terrible things to them. They want to eliminate the people who do not believe in the same things as them. They have beheaded people who are not part of their religion because they believe that people who do not believe in the same things as them are wrong. Just like Lula in this book, there are still people in our world today who do not like people that are different than themselves.
Themes that connect to our world today are the true definition of courage and damage done by racism. Calpurnia exhibits her courage when she stands up to Lula and doesn’t back down. She believes that Jem and Scout should be able to attend the church service in their church because both blacks and whites believe in the same God. Calpurnia stands her ground when Lula tells her to take Jem and Scout out causing Lula to leave. Calpurnia uses her words and reason to stand up to Lula. This shows the children that true courage consists of standing up for something that you believe in and has nothing to do with violence. This scene also shows the damage done by racism when Lula tells Calpurnia that Jem and Scout are not welcome because they are white. This makes the children very uncomfortable because she does not welcome their presence. In this situation, a black woman is discriminating white children which seems to be the opposite of most situations in this book.
“It’s because of what folks say Tom’s done,”she said. “Folks aren’t anxious to—to have anything to do with any of his family.” Page 164
In this scene, Calpurnia explains to Jem and Scout that the reason that people do not want to hire Helen Robinson, Tom’s wife, because her husband is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. The people were not allowed to leave the church until ten dollars was donated for Helen and her three children.
What I find disturbing is that nobody wants to hire Helen even though she personally has not done anything wrong. It is not clear if Tom Robinson has actually raped Mayella, he is accused but has not been proven guilty. It is so wrong that his wife and family is being held responsible for his actions. In my life, I see this happen all of the time. For example, at camp one year a girl in my bunk bullied another girl in my bunk. Even though the rest of the people in my bunk were really nice to her, we all got blamed. Our reputation was destroyed, and we became known as the bullies. It is crazy how one person’s actions can affect the lives of so many others.
A theme that connects to this scene is the importance of home and family. Your family and home define who you are. Tom is accused of rape, which affects his whole family. Tom’s situation reflects badly upon his entire family and the black community. The Robinson’s are alienated making it impossible for Helen to get a job and earn money to feed her children. Tom’s being charged makes some of the white people feel that the blacks are inferior, horrible people because the way you are raised defines who you are.
I agree Lilia, I don't think it's fair for his family to be punished and they are not even sure if Tom did the crime. They are destroying the reputation of both Tom and his family and he could possibly be innocent.
“Jem said it looked like they could save the collection money for a year and get some hymn-books. Calpurnia laughed. ‘Wouldn’t do any good,’ she said. ‘They can’t read.’ ‘Can’t read?’ I asked. ‘All those folks?’ ‘That’s right,’ Calpurnia nodded. ‘Can’t but about four folks in First Purchase read… I’m one of ‘em.’ Page 165.
In this scene, Calpurnia is explaining to Jem and Scout how there is no need for hymn-books in her church because no one but four people are able to read in her church.
A theme that can connect with this scene is damage done by racism. It’s clear that segregation is a main cause of the high illiteracy rate of the African-American community in Maycomb. Schools are segregated by the racist society, and the black schools typically have less qualified teachers, less/cheaper school supplies, and a less comfortable environment than white schools. For this reason, most are illiterate. Also, because blacks are usually poorer than whites because they have less rights and less job opportunities, many children stay home and don’t go to school at all to work and aid their families.
Unfortunately, illiteracy remains to be present in many parts of the world. In the book, illiteracy in the African-American community is an effect of discrimination. In today’s American society, discrimination in the education system is illicit, so therefore the illiteracy rates have dropped dramatically since the Great Depression. However, the illiteracy rates are still very high in some parts of Africa such as Niger, which according to data.worldbank.org, has an 85% illiteracy rate of people ages fifteen and above. In contrast, the primary reason for this is that the country itself is simply too poor to afford great schools with qualified teachers and supplies, not discrimination. Also, children are needed at home to work in order for their families to get by, just like they did in the novel in the racist society of Maycomb, Alabama.
I agree with your statement, as unfortunate as it may be, the lack of education in this country, and its quality, is what can drive to illiteracy. Without qualified teachers that take pride in making children love to learn and read, our education, literacy rate, and test scores as a country will never go up. We live in a privileged town, with great education and teachers. But that is not universal. Within 50 miles of here there are schools without qualified teachers. And those teachers are worsening our education as a country.
"Jem said, 'Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here--' I agreed: they did not want us here. I sensed, rather than saw, that we were being advanced upon." Page 159
In this scene, Jem is talking to Cal. He wants to leave her church because he feels that the people don't want him nor Scout in their church. Scout agrees with him.
What I find disturbing is that similar situations to this still occurs today, between any two races. Recently, the SAE fraternity at the University of Oklahoma was shut down due to a racist chant by the students. They were saying things that were degrading to African-Americans and wanting to ostracize them from the fraternity (http://n.pr/1Ftzzbt).
Racism has seriously damaged society. Not only in the past, but even now today. Racism between any two races is evident of how damaging it is. For example: the SAE frat house. Being racist has not only offended the people of the university, but has gotten the students singing the chant in trouble. The frat house has been shut down, and the students were expelled from the school. Considering it is 2015, the U.S. and it's people should have let go of racism a long time ago. The slaves were freed in the late 1800s, and were given more rights throughout the 60s. Much time has passed since these events, and so these things should not be happening anymore.
"The Governor was eager to scrape a few barnacles off the ship of state; there were sit-down strikes is Birmingham; bread lines in the cites grew longer, people in the country grew poorer." Ch. 12, page 154
This scene is explaining how more and more people were becoming unemployed and poor. People had to stand in lines so that they would be able to eat.
The theme that connects to this is "Is there really justice for all under the law in the US". People who were poor had difficulties finding jobs. Many became unemployed and had to wait in lines for food. This shows that there wasn't justice for all under the law because, everyone deserves to have a job no matter how poor you are. Today people are facing these problems and have to wait long lines outside of food pantries to provide their families with something to eat.
On PG# 154, Calpurnia states, “I just can’t help it if Mister Jem’s growin’ up. He’s gonna want to be off to himself a lot now, doin’ whatever boys do, so you just come right on to the kitchen when you feel lonesome. We’ll find lots of thing to do in here.”
In this scene, Calpurnia explains to the already aggravated Scout about how her brother Jem is becoming a Mister, Calpurnia’s way of explaining Jem’s coming of age. This shows the theme of growing up, something we all face. As Jem is a boy, and Scout is a girl, others have set expectations of them. Calpurnia’s mentioning of the kitchen is in a way setting the goal for a girl like Scout, something she’s obviously not interested in.
As a kid in a pretty strict household, there are set examples for me to. Some of which are to get expected grades and a few certain career choices, similar in a way to Scout’s situation.
“It was an ancient, paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and a bell,called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves. Negroes worshipped in it on Sunday, and white men gambled in it on the weekdays.” (Page 157) In this point in the story, Calpurnia is taking Scout and Jem to church, and Scout is describing the church. This quote shows a clear segregation between white Americans, and black Americans. What I find disturbing is the fact that a place of worship that freed slaves paid for is not always used as a place of worship, it is used as a place in which men gamble away their money. This action shows how the white people belittled the beliefs and the place of worship, just because it was African American. What really frustrates me is that both the white people and the African American people are worshipping the same God and the same ideals. This connects to an article that I read in Social Studies about men and women being segregated in Saudi Arabia. They were never allowed to see each other, and had to use different facilities and businesses. The same was with colored and white people in the segregated parts of America.
This shows the theme of the damage done by racism. It shows this because all the African American people in the town had to go to a small, run-down church, which had peeling paint. The separation of religious buildings shows the extent of how racist this country used to be. What I am trying to say is, if two people are worshipping together, they are essentially the same. They believe in the same ideals, and although their skin color may be different, what they believe, which is what matters, remains the same. How did people justify their hatred for one another when they value the same thing?
"I just cant help it if Mister Jem growin up.Hes gonna want to be off to himself alot now, doin whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome....Page 154
In this scene Scout is telling us that it has been difficult living with Jem because he is getting older and is becoming more independent. Jems appetite was appalling and Scout told Atticus "Reckon hes got a tapeworm?" Atticus says no hes just growing.
I think what Jem is going through is very relatable because individuals the age of 12 and up begin to change. Alot of high schoolers have changed for example There personality, The people they hang out with and there feelings and emotions. Also they begin to have relationships and act different.
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Ch. 12, page 158
In this scene Miss Cal is trying to bring Scout and Jem into an African American church called the First Purchase African American M.E. Church. The Church was payed for with the earnings of freed slaves. Miss Cal is trying to take them to the Church because Atticus is away and she feels that they need to be taken care of.
This quote goes to show that African American people back in this time period did not like white people. The fact that they did not want a couple of white kids in their church who came with a parishioner proves this. You would think all would be welcomed, because it is a place of worship, of God and is supposed to be a welcoming place for all. I see where they are coming from though, the fact that the Church was built by free slaves explains why the people there would not care for white people. Since it was built by freed slaves most of the people who attend the church would have some kind of connection to them, or themselves have been enslaved or family members. In comparison to today this experience would have been totally different for Scout and Jem if they tried to go to an African American church. They would have been welcomed with open arms because nowadays in America people are able to look past the color of skin and look at what’s on the inside which is really what’s important. Since they have the same spiritual viewpoint they would have fit right in because in present day the color of skin does not matter we are all equal.
This quote can relate to the theme the true definition of courage. It relates to this theme because when this book took place people believed white people to be more powerful than African Americans. Standing up to white people was not a common thing back then especially if their dad was one of the most powerful people in town, which Atticus is. This was something that most people would have been scared to be but she stood up for what she believed in and voiced her opinion which I truly respect.
I agree with your statement Max to a certain extent. Although she stood up for what she believed in, and that she would have been treated even worse if she had walked into a white church, to me, she in not the most courageous of people. To show real courage would have been to let Jem and Scout in, no questions asked. By acknowledging their differences, she adds to the racial tension that this book so clearly shows. To conclude, Lula’s actions were courageous, but they were not the most courageous that she could have done.
"Jem said, 'Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here--' I agreed: they did not want us here. I sensed, rather than saw, that we were being advanced upon." Page 159
In this scene, Jem is talking to Cal. He wants to leave her church because he feels that the people don't want him nor Scout in their church. Scout agrees with him.
What I find disturbing is that similar situations to this still occurs today, between any two races. Recently, the SAE fraternity at the University of Oklahoma was shut down due to a racist chant by the students. They were saying things that were degrading to African-Americans and wanting to ostracize them from the fraternity (http://n.pr/1Ftzzbt).
Racism has seriously damaged society. Not only in the past, but even now today. Racism between any two races is evident of how damaging it is. For example: the SAE frat house. Being racist has not only offended the people of the university, but has gotten the students singing the chant in trouble. The frat house has been shut down, and the students were expelled from the school. Considering it is 2015, the U.S. and it's people should have let go of racism a long time ago. The slaves were freed in the late 1800s, and were given more rights throughout the 60s. Much time has passed since these events, and so these things should not be happening anymore.
“I wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to nigger church.””You ain’t got no business bringing’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Chapter 12 page 158
In this scene, Lula a women who attends the local black church, is talking to Calpurnia. She is asking her why she is bringing white people into their church. Calpurnia is confused as to why it matters that they attend the same church because they all share the same god.
I find it shocking that the blacks and the whites share the same god yet, they cannot practice their shared religion in the same church. Today in our world, racism has decreased a lot from the 1930’s but it still occurs today. People may say that they are not racist but, many people are without realizing it. I have heard my friends say racist remarks about people of other ethnicities or say a stereotype about another race that is not true. It is racist and many people think that saying a stereotype you heard about another race is not racism but, it is and it is not right.
This theme connects to damage done by racism because people have been so segregated that they have this idea about another race in their head. People are practicing the same religion but have to be separated because of their skin color. To me that is absurd because skin color should not define a person, it is on the inside that counts. People are so segregated that they would not allow to innocent white children into the black church. This situation is a great example of how racism affected and damaged people.
“I just can't help it if Mister Jems growin up. Hes gonna want to be off to himself a lot now, doin whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome”.... page 154
In this scene Scout is telling us that it has been difficult living with Jem because he is getting older and becoming more independent and acting different.. So scout told Atticus “Reckon hes got a tapeworm?” and atticus said no hes just growing up. Jems appetite was appalling and he would tell scout to stop pestering him.
I think Jem is acting like any other individual thats growing up because when you get to ages 12 and up you act different and have different feelings and emotions. I know alot of high schoolers and middle schoolers that begin to have relationships and sometimes there personality changes and the people they hang out with. So I think Jem and his situation is relatable to lots of students 12 and up.
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Pge. 158
In this scene, Calpurnia is taking Jem and Scout to her own black people’s church while Atticus is out on a work trip. As the three are entering the church, Calpurnia gets into a aggressive argument with a woman named Lula and argue about bringing the white children (Jem and Scout) to a black church.
The theme that connects to the scene is the damage done by racism. This is because the white people within’ several communities throughout the United States are very racist and do things that aren’t necessary and think they are “helping” people for the best. For instance, the segregated churches in this scene make the same race get into really big arguments and even fist fights for what the white people think “helps.” In addition, there were water fountains, restaurants, and even bathrooms for the different races throughout the 20th century. This only caused more and more segregation and people fighting for equal rights.
“She asked me to tell you you must try to behave like the little lady and gentlemen that you are. She wants to talk to you about the family and what it’s meant to Maycomb County through the years, so you’ll have some idea of who you are, so you might be moved to behave accordingly.” He concluded at a gallop. Page 177-178
In this scene, Atticus is talking to Jem and Scout about a message from Aunt Alexandra. They both want them to live up to the families reputation and be respectful and mature young adults. Atticus wants them to behave and learn from the rest of his families actions.
I agree with what Atticus and Aunt Alexandra are trying to teach Scout and Jem. Atticus wants to raise his children to become intelligent and brave young adults and he wants to teach them that kindness can make a difference. My parents are similar to Atticus in they way that they taught me to act respectful and to try to my best ability. They always encourage me and help me to do my best.
This scene is related to the theme of importance of family because it shows the importance to Atticus that he raises his children to be respectful, brave and kind. Aunt Alexandra also finds it very important that Scout and Jem grow up to be behaved. This shows the importance of family in their lives because it's important to them that the kids grow up right. They want them to grow up to be like rest of their family and even though Aunt Alexandra may seem mean to Scout, she is doing it out of love.
Happy blogging!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
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Deletelol Rorbear you silly goose. ^
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ReplyDeleteLulu stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Call?””
Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Ch. 12, bottom of page 158.
In this scene Lulu makes issue to Calpurnia about these white people visiting a black church, when they have their own. Calpurnia then states that if we all worship the same God whose message is about forgiving, acceptance, and tolerance, then we should all be able worship under the same roof.
The situation that occurred in To Kill A Mockingbird is sometimes seen in our world today. Due to segregation, now and then, we typically have black churches in black communities, and white churches in white communities. In society racial intolerance, and the resentment of racism can compromprise peoples moral composes, to the point of disrespecting another race in order to maintain racial division. This can not only be seen in churches, but also in schools.
The theme that connects to this scene is damage done bye racism. In this situation, Lulu is resentful of racism. During the Great Depression, living in a world where your thoughts were less than human, tore many blacks apart internally. The one place where they felt uplifted or rather than belittled was in their own communities, or church. When Calpurnia showed up to church with Jem and Scout, Lulu feared the fact of the white people taking away or destroying their safe haven.
I agree with you, Javen. It has almost been 100 years since the start of the Great Depression and the racism that came along with it. Yet, there are still so many things in this world that are segregated such as churches and even some schools. It is really shocking how big of an issue racial division and racism is.
DeleteI totally agree Javen. It seems very ironic that Lula is saying Jem and Scout shouldn't be at their church when they are all worshipping the same god. It is a shame that even now there is still segregation in churches.
DeleteI agree Javen. Although there is said to be equality in society today, there is still racial discrimination and division throughout towns and even in our school systems. I couldn't agree with Sam more about the irony in this specific quote. It's such a shame that these problems still exist today.
DeleteI agree with you, Javen. We as a civilization have come so far since the Great Depression, yet racsm still exists today in cities, villages, schools and can even be between neighbors. A specific race of people can't destroy a safe haven, only the ones extreme enough to do it.
DeleteI agree Javen. It's so odd to think that Lula doesn't want Scout and Jem in the black church when they're worshiping the same god. It's sad to think that there is still segregation in churches today.
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DeleteI agree with all of the above. Church is supposed to be a safe place, but segregation has taken place in so many, that people aren't feeling as safe as they should be. There shouldn't be an issue with the color of the skin in churches, because everybody that goes there goes to worship the same God, it's tragic.
DeleteI agree with you . I find it odd that Lula would say things like that infront of children , and isn't church supposed to be for all anyways ? I find this part of the chapter very depressing.
DeleteI agree with you, Javen. Its not right of Lula to try and exclude Scout and Jem from the church, when the god they are worshipping is the same one, and the prayers they say are the same ones.
DeleteI completely agree with you Javen about the theme. I wrote something very similar, it does appear that they looked at the Church as a form of a safe haven from all of the racism in the world. It is crazy to think that not to long ago the color of our skin decided where we could and could not worship God and not our beliefs.
Delete“The only church in Maycomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves (…) Jem said, let’s go home, Cal, they don’t want us here.” pg. 157-158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Calpurnia talks to Lula about Jem and Scout and why she was going to church with them. It was not in a good circumstance since Lula was resentful of why whites are going to black church.
During this historical period (1930’s) African Americans were discriminated in the United States by white people. “The problems of the Great Depression affected virtually every group of Americans (…) Racial violence again became more common, especially in the South. Lynchings, which had declined to eight in 1932, surged to 28 in 1933.” Every place, including churches, showed some discrimination to colored. Today, there is not segregation but racism stills. As we read To Kill A Mockingbird, we can notice that people like Atticus and Calpurnia don’t care about what the others think of African Americans so they come together.
The theme that connect to this scene is the damage done by racism. Calpurnia is just trying to stop segregation taking the kids to the church due to there is only one God but the problem is that on Sundays only black people can go to First Purchase African M.E. Church. When they get there, Lula, a tall Negro woman, stand behind them doesn’t letting them go in. She wants them to get out of the church because Jem and Scout are white and during 1930’s, black and whites didn’t mix.
Hi Maria, I agree with you that racism still exists, but I believe that segregation, although not as largely as it used to be, is still present in today's world. I feel that it is not only out in the world but in some people who purposefully separate themselves from others who are different or not like the kind of person or people they are used to.
DeleteI agree with you Sophia. I believe that racism and segregation used to occur a lot more than now, but it definitely still exists. People should not be judged based on their skin color. Lula should not have cared that Jem and Scout were present in church with her.
DeleteI agree with your blog Maria and the comments before me . I feel that even to this day many people try to have little to no contact with the other races . Which in my opinion bothers me in a sense that we shouldn't be judged on how we look but the actions we commit or the characteristics we show.
DeleteI think that in this scene not only Jem and Scout suffered their first experience with racism. For someone to do something mean first I think they have had a experience with that. Lula has her reasons to be saying those mean things to the kids. She also suffered of racism and maybe that is why she is being mean to them and saying that they have their own church.
Delete“You ain’t got no business bringin‘ white chillun here—they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Lula, a woman at Calpurnia's church, is aggravated with Calpurnia because she brought Scout and Jem, two white people, to an all black church on Sunday. What I find disturbing is that the segregation during the Great Depression in the South is strong that it even reached churches and other holy buildings. In many monotheistic religions, all worshipers are equal under the eyes of their deity. This scene disproves that religious law and not all are considered equals. If someone truly believes in this, they wouldn't mind if you are different in some way. Unfortunately, although segregation is over, there is still racism today and it comes from fear. Not hatred, but a fear of something different and awkward.
I agree with you, Max. It has been a long time since the Great Depression and yet there is still racism today. For example, what is going on in Ferguson. It is not right at all that people are still not treating the same even after all that this country has been through. I do not think that racism with ever go away, but the best thing that we can do is simple, don't be racist.
DeleteI agree with the fact that segregation during the great depression was quite disturbing. It forced many races to treasure, and protect places where they felt valued, safe, and appreciated for their worth. This is what prompted Lulu to say this to Miss Cal. I still believe some segregation lingers in our society especially when it comes to churches, because we typically have black churches in black communities, and white churches in white communities.
DeleteI agree with you. God is God. Monotheistic religions believe in the same God, and Calpurnia brought this up after Lula stated this. She said that they believe in the same God, so why should they have to be told where to worship him? Thankfully, our nation has made many leaps to lead away from a racist environment, but there are still groups that don't cooperate.
DeleteI agree with you Teddy. Many people nowadays have improved their segregated ways, however, there are many other groups that choose not to, and it is very sad, especially since many of them believe in the same God.
Delete“I wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to nigger church.”...”You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” (Chapter 12 page 158)
ReplyDeleteIn this situation, Calpurnia brings Jem and scout, two white children, to an all black church. Lula stops Calpurnia, Jem and Scout to question Calpurnia about why she would bring two white children to an all black church. Calpurnia responds by explaining that they all share the same god, no matter what race you are.
What I find disturbing is that we read this book and think to ourselves about how awful the discrimination and segregation sound but, in reality, this all exists today. Discrimination in our world has decreased but there are still incidents that occur that make us wonder if our world still has discriminating factors.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/ferguson-case-racial-and-gender-makeup-of-grand-jury-revealed/ What I have linked above is an artical on a much talked about case. The Ferguson case. This is a case that many people believe to have been a discriminatory case. Michael brown was a young black male that was shot under false pretences. A policeman shot this man because he thought he was in possession of a deadly weapon which he was not. Michael brown was killed. People believed that the only reason Michael brown was thought to have a deadly weapon was because he was black. That is discrimination that exists in our world today.
This scene shows the damage done by racism. Lula may feel unsafe around white people because racism has caused her to believe that all white people are born and raised to dislike the blacks. The church may have been the only way for her to feel like she fit in and feel safe.
Racism has damaged people into believing things that may not be true. Calpurnia is trying to go to church and have a good time but people have ideas about what Jem and Scout think about black people which make the people in that church hesitant to welcome them. This also shows that people felt so segregated and discriminated that they could not allow two white children to participate in church. That shows how much racism affected and damaged people.
I agree with you, Francesca. It is shocking to see how events in this book are so similar to problems in today's world. The book is set in the 1930's and somehow we still have issues with racism. It really makes you wonder, why have we not moved passed these issues?
DeleteI disagree with you, Francesca. The strides we as a country have made in human rights are tremendous. We are one of the few countries that gives equal opportunity to all races, sexes, and ages. Situations like the Ferguson case are few and far between in this day and age in America. I think we are in a drastically better place in terms of equality than we were in 1930.
DeleteI both agree and disagree with you, Francesca. I do think that there is still some discrimination and racial intolerance in society today. However, I also think that this country has taken a huge leap to help end these problems and I would have to agree with Rory. The United States offers so many different things that other countries do not. I myself am so grateful to live in a place where I am granted rights that people all over the world are denied. While I do think that there have been many cases of discrimination in the past years, I do not think that this country is even close to where it was in the 1930s regarding racial discrimination.
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ReplyDelete“Cal, I know Tom Robinson’s in jail an’ he’s done somethin’ awful, but why won’t folks hire Helen?” I asked…”It’s because of what folks say Tom’s done” She said. “Folks are’nt anxious to-to have anything to do with any of his family.” Middle of page 164
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Scout is asking Calpurnia why Helen, Tom Robinsons wife, can’t find work. Calpurnia responds by explaining how the people of Maycomb that think that Tom did something wrong do not want to be affiliated with his family. Therefore, nobody wants to employ his wife.
What I find disturbing is how there has not yet been a trial for Tom, yet everyone in Maycomb is assuming that he committed the crime based on his race. There was so much racism during the time period in which the book was written and the racism is clearly shown in the town of Maycomb. The people of Maycomb are being prejudice towards Tom just because of his race, when in reality they do not have any proof that he did anything yet. This reminds me of the situation that has been going on in Ferguson today. We do not know all of the information about the case yet many people assume that the black kid was in the wrong even when they have little proof. It shows how much racism is still left in the world today. Here is the link to an article from the New York Times about the case in Ferguson.
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/08/13/us/ferguson-missouri-town-under-siege-after-police-shooting.html?_r=0
This scene in the book has to do with the damage done by racism which is a huge theme in the book. Tom Robinson is being accused of rape and is set to have a trial soon. His wife desperately needs to find a job but the people of Maycomb deny her this opportunity. Since Helen's husband is being accused of rape, nobody wants to hire her and she can not find a job anywhere. This puts her family in a bad position because they do not have a source of income. The reason this has to do with the damage done by racism is because Tom is being accused of rape when there is little evidence. Since he is on trial because of the racism in the town of Maycomb, his family is being hurt financially since Helen can't find a job.
I agree with your text to text and text to world connections very much. I also find it disturbing that Tom Robinson is being accused of rape based on his race. It bothers me that everyone believes that it was him eve though he has not been proven guilty. I wonder how many people were accused of crimes they did not commit because of their race.
DeleteI agree Danny. It is terrible that the people in Maycomb are assuming Tom Robinson is guilty because of his race. However, I think it is even worse that they won't hire Helen because of it. Even if Tom is guilty, it isn't his Helen's fault.
DeleteI strongly agree with Danny. Its quite depressing that even with the little evidence there is, the person of a different race gets accused of rape. Even though the Ewells are an untrustworthy family, the other whites side them and make life and miserable, and difficult for the Robinsons to survive.
DeleteI agree Danny. It's so sad to think of the effect Tom's accusations had on the rest of his family, even though there is hardly any evidence suggesting that he committed rape in the first place. It's bad enough that people assume Tom is guilty just because of his race, but to not hire his wife because of these beliefs is horrible.
DeleteI strongly agree, Danny. A person in the United States has the right to remain innocent until proven guilty, stated in the 6th Amendment. It's sad to think that some individuals were seen as guilty before given a fair trial just because of their race. It;s even sadder to think about how this discrimination still occurs today in cases such as the Zimmerman trial.
Delete“First Purchase African M.E. Church was in the Quarters outside the southern limits, across the old sawmill tracks. It was an ancient paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Macomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves.” Middle of page 157
ReplyDeleteIn this quote, Scout is describing where the African American church is located. She explained that the church looked rundown with its paint-peeling frame. She also touched on how the church earned its name. It was called First Purchase due to the fact that it was bought from the first earnings from freed slaves. Later on in the chapter, people gave Cal and the kids a hard time about going to the black church while they have their own. But Cal touched base how they all believed in the same things ; tolerance and acceptance were two of the key aspects everyone believed in. Lastly, the chapter also explained how racism was a main point (or theme) in this chapter.
During the great depression racism was common, and thus lead to the separation of the two. Almost everything was separated, or had separate areas only for African Americans. Churches, bathrooms, water fountains and even schools were separated. As Scout surveyed the area, she noticed there were no books, decorations or real pews. She compared her findings to her own church. There were books, decorations, real pews and was in much better shape. You could tell due to her explanation of the surroundings, thought filled questions, curiosity and also the condition of the church. Back then, even in the great depression when there was almost no money, African Americans had even less. But even today racism still sadly exists and is still a thought that still occurs today. So many people are accepting and believe in acceptance, but a few remain against acceptance.
This quote shows the effect of racism over the town of Maycomb. Racism affected the peoples thoughts, how a person was treated, the amount of money earned from a job, and their education level. Later on in the chapter Calpurnia explains to Scout how only four people in the congregation at Calpurnia's church are literate. Calpurnia was part of the four while her son Zeebo was also literate. Due to racism, education was scarce and even if there was education it wasn’t quality education. Scout later on learned that her grandfather gave Cal a book that started her education. Ever since then Cal has almost been part of the family, and has seen how the Finch household was like no other.
First of all, you used a great quote for your blog! I used the same concept of how they all believed in the same things, but I used a different quote. I like how you took a different approach and worked off of a quote describing how the church looks. You clearly dug deep into this quote. Great supporting details such as the segregated bathrooms and fountains as well. You did awesome!
DeleteCompliments to showing such a deep meaning for a simple quote! I was awed by your use of many small details like Scouts grandpa's relationship with cal to make a big collage on your them.
DeleteLula stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?”
ReplyDeleteCalpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Page 158
In this scene Lula has got a problem with white people coming to a black church, when white people have one of their own. Then Calpurnia says, that if we all worship the same God, then we should be able to worship him under the same roof.
What I find disturbing is that Lula doesn’t accept that some white people are not being racist for once and considering each other as equal. There was a lot of racism during this time period and to see that some white people are trying to fit in with black people, it scares the black people a little because they are so used to the racism. Racism still resides in some communities today in our world, and it just isn’t right, no one should be treated differently just because they have a different color on their skin.
This scene has to do with the damage done by racism which is one of the major themes in this book. Lula doesn’t think that Calpurnia is going to the church to be kind, Lula thinks that Calpurnia is going to be mean like everyone else. This is damage done by racism because Lula is used to being treated differently and unfairly because she is black and so she assumes that all white people are racist which isn’t true, an example of this is in this scene.
I agree with what is said in your second paragraph. It's kind of weird to think that Lula is so against Jem and Scout going to her church. There is no need to segregate when you both believe in the same god.
DeleteI agree with both of you. Its awful to think that something like this happened. I do see how it would be tough after going through racism for so long for people to get along. Segregation can do very harmful things and are sometimes is hard to un-do.
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ReplyDelete“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Page 158
In this scene, Lula aggressively questions Calpurnia as to why she is bringing Jem and Scout to the colored church. Clearly, Lula didn’t want Scout and Jem there.
In comparison to the world today, churches are still one of the least likely places that white, black, asian and hispanic Americans will encounter each other. Whites make up more than 90% of mainland Protestant churches, while more than 9-in-10 members of historically black churches are black.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Back then and even somewhat today, churches and places of worship are heavily segregated. In connection to the book, different place of worship is just another rift between the two races. As evident in the quote, Lula was angry and upset that Jem and Scout came to the black church when all of them are still worshipping the same god.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-briggs/segregated-churches-segregated-lives-religion-race-and-marriage_b_2479693.html
I completely agree with your third paragraph. Although I have not done much research, I find the data that you entered to be believable. Many people think that there is no more segregation today, but most churches in this area will either be a white, or black dominant. Not yet in my lifetime have a seen a church where the amount of blacks, and whites in a church are somewhat equal.
DeleteI like the connection in the third paragraph of modern churches today. What a shocking statistic to prove your point. When I go to church, almost all of the people attending are whites. This shows that the world has not changed since 100 years ago. It is unbelievable the common citizen is so oblivious to modern day segregation.
DeleteI agree with your opening statement on churches in the third paragraph. A church and any other holy building should be tolerant of all who come to worship. They will all be praying to the same god(s). Also, a church should be the least likely place to have a discrimination if one of the most important rules is tolerance of others.
DeleteI agree with everything that is said here. Churches are very heavily segregated which is why I feel that Lula was so frustrated. I like what is said in the third paragraph as well. There is no need to separate churches when the people in them are believing in the same spirit.
Delete"'They can't read.' 'Can't read?' I asked. 'All those folks?' 'That's right,' Calpurnia nodded. 'Can't but about for folks in First Purchase read . . . I'm one of 'em'" Ch12, p165
ReplyDeleteIn the text, Jem suggests that First Purchase church save up money to buy hymn books. Calpurnia says it would not do any good. Calpurnia explains to Jem and Scout that she is one of four blacks in Maycomb who can read.
What I find disturbing is that most of the white folk in Maycomb can read fluently and are well educated. The educational difference is so monumental it is incredible, really. In the 1930s, slavery has been abolished for over 60 years, and still there is no equality in rural Alabama. I think that Cal is showing the kids something that they need to see, because they are getting to an age where they no longer need to be shielded from the brutal reality of racism and segregation. In contrast to today, where education is something that almost 100% of Americans have access to, there was a tremendous issue for blacks.
This scene connects to the idea of the damage done by racism, which is one of the main themes of To Kill A Mockingbird. The racists in Maycomb - and most of the south in the 1930s- completely restrict education for blacks. There were many obstacles that blacks faced on top of education, for example voting rights. Blacks in the south were not able to become registered voters until the 1960s when Martin Luther King marched and protested for civil rights. Maycomb is just an example of the countless towns and cities where the damage done by racism is stupendous.
I found your thoughts on the ideas of slavery being abolished, yet there still being no equality very intriguing. This is a very thought provoking point, and I am glad you brought it up in your entry. Even though slavery was abolished in the 1860's, almost 100 years later was the time that Martin Luther King gave his "I have a dream speech," which was meant to promote equality. This shows that even 100 years after slavery was abolished people still were treating the African- Americans with no respect. Unfortunately, abolishing something doesn't always make it leave everyone's minds forever.
DeleteI strongly agree with your thoughts in the second paragraph. It is really quite disturbing to think that Calpurnia was only one in four blacks that could read Maycomb. Now (as you mentioned) most kids have access to education in our country.
DeleteI agree with you in the sense that evidently people with white skin seem to be much better educated than African Americans, which upsets me because everyone equally deserves to be educated, and I understand that some may not be able to afford school, but that saddens me even more because most people that cannot afford to attend school are the colored. The African Americans should not have any more difficulty than the whites just because of their skin color.
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ReplyDelete“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church ain’t it Miss Cal?” Chapter 12 Page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Lula, a woman who attends Calpurnia’s church, is speaking to Cal. She says that there is no reason Cal should have brought Scout and Jem to the African American church. Lula says that white people have their own church, and that is where they belong. Calpurnia responds by saying that the children are her company, and that they can be there because they all worship the same God.
During this time period, much segregation between African Americans and Caucasians existed due to the Plessy vs. Ferguson case which provided the basis for the saying “separate but equal.” Basically, this case stated that segregation was legal as long as equal facilities were created for both blacks and whites, which rarely happened. This explains why Lula believes that Scout and Jem don’t belong in her church. Racism was also very common, especially in small towns down south like Maycomb, Alabama from the book.
Unfortunately today, there is still much debate about racism and discrimination.This theme of the damage done by racism is appearing more and more in society today. For example, many African Americans and other minorities living across the nation feel that their treatment by law enforcement is not equivalent to the treatment of other groups. Throughout the years, there have been many debatable cases that relate to this belief of inequality. More recently was the case in Ferguson, Missouri, in which a young black boy was shot to death by a white police officer. The officer stated that Michael Brown, the boy, had threatened him and had reached for his gun, while witnesses report that Brown had held his hands up in the air, and had clearly surrendered, while the police officer fired several shots at him. These two very contradicting accounts have led to many riots and other acts of violence around the country, and people want answers regarding the case.
Both Tom Robinson and Michael Brown were African American men. Although the case of Michael Brown was only last year, it is arguable that his race played a role in how he was treated. Do you think that even today, race, ethnicity, and/or other cultural aspects play a role in the treatment of one by law enforcement, teachers, etc.? If so, what steps do you think we as a nation should take to eliminate this discrimination?
http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/11/justice/michael-brown-missouri-teen-shot/
Kathryn, I like the article that you linked to your blog post. Also, I agree with you when you say racism and segregation are very common in small southern towns. Do you think that maybe there's more racism down south because there's a larger colored population?
DeleteI agree with you, Kathryn. It is still very questionable if everyone is equal under the law. Based on current events today, like your article, there is definitely an imbalance between the races under the law. It is so shocking how similar events in the book are to real world events today.
Delete“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n,”... “It’s the same God, ain’t it?”- Page 158.
ReplyDeleteThis is said by Lula, a member of Cal’s church, when Scout and Jem join Cal in the Sunday church service. Calpurnia defends the children by saying that if they both follow the same God, then you should be able to worship wherever you please.
Thankfully, I have found that in modern times these situations are rare to come by. While being confirmed, I was sent with my class to an African-American church to see the similarities and differences between my church and this one. Although there were many differences in the style of prayer, all the church’s regulars were very welcoming and even gave us special treatment. I know that in other parts of the world there are many groups that are not as welcoming as some that I have met, and with this in mind it makes me even more grateful to live in such a phenomenal community and country.
Without a doubt, this situation connects to the theme: the damage done by racism. Reading deeper into the quote, you will find that within the small town of Maycomb, Alabama there are two churches. One for the whites, and one for the blacks. Although this was very common during this historical time period, that doesn’t make it okay. Separating the young children and teaching them to dislike, and maybe hate another race is a horrible thing to do. Although, they wouldn’t feel this idea damaging them, it still would in a very serious way.
I agree with the fact that these situations (segragation in schools and judging based on race for example) which so obviously reflect the effects of racism on society are diminishing. However, I find it interesting that churches continue to be more segregated than other parts of life. It makes me wonder why this is.
DeleteI completely agree with what is said in the second paragraph, I like your text-to-self connection. The third paragraph is very well written too. I also agree that teaching little children the wrong concept on life can be very damaging. I thought everything was very well said. Good blog.
DeleteI agree with you 100% Teddy. I wrote about the same quote. I think it's great that you went to an African- American church! Your text-to-self connection wasn't forced at all and I like how you compared and contrasted your church to the African-American one.
Delete"That's a compliment... He spends his time doin' things that wouldn't get done nobody did em'." Page 155.
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Scout and Jem are looking at the cartoon written in,"The Montgomery Advertiser" that was captioned,"Maycomb's Finch." When they read the cartoon, it showed Atticus barefooted and in short pants chained to a desk. While he was writing on a slate, a few girls were yelling,"Yoo-Hoo!" at him. Jem tries to explain to Scout after that, that it was a compliment instead of an insult.
During the time period of the story taking place, segregation was a big factor in the life of Americans. Because of Atticus having to defend an African-American in a court case, it was very controversial at the time. It takes lots of courage to stand up for someone who isn't considered a "part of the crowd", which is why unfortunately today I think many people are looked down upon in today's society without anyone to be there for them.
Showing the decision of Atticus in defending Tom Robinson in the important case, Atticus can represent the symbol of true courage. Can there be a lack of courage in the average person in today's society? What can be some possibilities, other than race, that could connect to the situation and the representation of true courage.
That's an excellent point. I agree with your proposition that Atticus himself represents courage. All throughout the book, he always seems to be doing the right thing, no matter if it's difficult. A lack of courage, I believe, would imply a lack of wanting to do the right thing. Anybody can show courage if they believe in the cause enough. However, often, people today don't have a cause to fight for to show their courage.
DeleteI defiantly agree that Atticus represents true courage. It is interesting how you pointed out that there is possibly a lack of courage in society today. I do believe that there is. In modern times people tend to be more careful in their choice making by analyzing how it could possibly affect them. Atticus on the other hand understands that his actions will reflect back to him yet he takes the case anyways.
Delete“‘It’s time you started bein’ a girl and acting right!’ I burst into tears and fled to Calpurnia.”
ReplyDeleteHere, Jem emphasizes Scout’s flaws to her saying she needs to act more ladylike. He is growing up and accidentally hurts Scout’s feelings.
This is very inconsiderate of Jem, however, may be to expected. Jem is twelve and needs to form a new set of values now that he’s older. He’s still learning to pay attention to others’ feelings so that he can avoid hurting them. Everybody today must make the same choices as they grow up. They must learn who they are and what is important to them. Since Jem is still learning about himself and the world, he accidently makes the mistake of offending his little sister by bringing up a debated topic in his sister’s life. Scout is already being ridiculed for her tom-boy behavior.
On the other hand, Scout is exceedingly insulted at Jem’s comment. She is destroyed that Jem, her only brother and best friend, thinks that she must change. She likes how she is and doesn’t want to change even if her family and friends think she should. Jem and Atticus always backed her up on this topic saying she can act like whoever she wants to. Jem’s disapproval crushes Scout. This shows the importance of a family’s support and agreement because Scout needs somebody in her life to help her get through the criticism she’s facing from practically everybody else. The loss of her brother’s satisfaction was more important than everybody else’s distaste combined to Scout. (Pg. 153, paragraph 2)
Hi Abby, I agree with you when you say that Scout looks to Jem as a best friend, and he had hurt her feelings by telling her to act more like a girl. Jem is growing to be more of an independant, young man, and his patience at the time does not include Scout, however she does not understand this, so she cries and takes offense, even though with time, Jem will adjust.
DeleteI agree that Scout is often corrected for her tom-boyish behavior. I also find that when Jem adds to these corrections with his own Scout is crushed. I believe that Jem is not only her best friend, but a role model in her life as well. I however think that there is nothing wrong with her behavior and they should let her be. Scout is still a child it is important not to be crushing her sprits because of the way she behaves.
Delete“A few graves in the cemetery were marked with crumbling tombstones; newer ones were outlined with brightly colored glass and broken Coca-Cola bottles.”
ReplyDeleteThis quote describes the cemetery adjacent to the church, First Purchase, which was the first thing bought by newly freed slaves. Thus, proving that religion is exceptionally important to the African Americans which worship there.
Set in a time in which racism and segregation were commonplace, scenes like this were not foreign. Before the times of “separate is inherently unequal,” white churches came complete with hymn books and comfy seats, and in comparison, the African American churches were unpainted with pine benches, as shown in To Kill a Mockingbird. First Purchase’s cemetery was a mess and disrespected. On weekdays, the church was used for white men to gamble. The church, accordingly, was not respected whatsoever. Today, times are changed and churches are not segregated. However, racism still exists. Even if the churches aren’t officially segregated, it’s not hidden that some religions and churches are meant for specific groups of people.
Thusly, the segregation of the churches has hurt and disrespected the deceased in the cemetery itself. Even though the deceased can’t feel or know they’re being degraded, the living can see it. Everybody attending First Purchase can see their rank just by looking outside their church’s window. This is heartbreaking and shows how great an effect racism can have. Everybody in the church is being humiliated by watching their ancestor’s grave be defaced. Racism is incredibly powerful. (Pg. 157, paragraph 8)
Hi Abby, I like that you noticed how First Purchase doesn't have nice pews or hymn books and during the week the church is used as a place to gamble. Both Jem and Scout were used to hymn books being in church and so when there were none both of the children were very confused as to why there weren't any. This also shows that the children were naive in that they had no idea that First Purchase wasn't equal to their church.
Delete“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Ch. 12, page158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Lula, a tall Negro woman, notices and questions Calpurnia’s decision on bringing Jem and Scout to an all black church. Lula can’t help but to mention that they have their own church and belong there instead. Although, Calpurnia brings up a good point on how they all worship the same God and that it shouldn’t matter where or whom they worship with; regardless of their race.
What I find disturbing is how we have made little progress on promoting integration. It almost seems as if Brown vs. Board of Education never happened. http://www.propublica.org/article/segregation-now-the-resegregation-of-americas-schools/#intro I was shocked after reading this article, and it made me feel like a fool for believing that segregation was over. I learned that segregation exists in other parts of the country, but I haven’t noticed it where I live. In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, from 1993 to 2011, the number of black students in schools where 90 percent or more of the student population are minorities rose from 2.3 million to 2.9 million. This means that minorities are still less likely to attend a school with people of a different race. I’m confused at the same time because I don’t understand why this is the case. At first, I thought that maybe the minorities felt like they belonged there. Regardless, this isn’t how I viewed our world today.
The themes that connect to this scene are the definition of courage and the damage done by racism. Calpurnia was very courageous during this scene for not only going against the social mores but by fighting for something she believed in. She knew it wasn’t “the right thing to do”, but she wanted to prove to Lula and the rest of the black community that Jem and Scout have every right to attend mass at their church. Segregation sets stereotypes towards one another and makes people feel less than human. It also makes people feel ashamed for being a certain race. Racism surely damaged people during the time of The Great Depression.
I agree in this scene Calpurnia was very courageous and she stood up for the kids when she said "its the same god ain't it" after Lula ignorantly told them they had their own church and had no reason being in the colored church. I also find it very disturbing how there are still segregation problems today.
Delete"... called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves. Negroes worshiped in it on Sundays and white men gambled in it on weekdays." page 157
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Scout describes the church that Calpurnia goes to. Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church because Atticus is not in town. The children approach the church and are shocked by the landscape of the area. Calpurnia stresses the appearance of the children because she doesn't want to look like a fool.
During this historical period there were no mixed race churches. All of the churches were segregated. I find this disturbing because it makes no sense. All of the people going to church worship the same god, so why not with different people. I personally am not a very religious person. However the few times I have gone to church, every single person was white. It really surprises me that even how far we have come today in our society we are still segregated in certain areas. All over the world people are segregated in places where they are so similar to one another; like churches.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Mostly back then, but, somewhat today there is still segregation in churches. It doesn't make any sense. There is no need to segregate in a building of worship when the people in the church are worshiping the same god.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/david-briggs/segregated-churches-segregated-lives-religion-race-and-marriage_b_2479693.html
"Jem said, 'Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here-'" page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Jem is telling Calpurnia that they should leave her church because of a comment made by Lula. Jem feels overwhelmed by the amount of people staring at him and wants to leave.
If I were Jem I would stay. Who cares if people want you to leave. Jem has the right to stay and worship as he pleases. It's a shame to see how someone would be looked down upon for going to a different skin-colored church. Even today in the world some people prefer to worship in a segregated church. Only about 5% of the nations' churches are integrated. It honestly blows my mind that people can't mix with one another.
The them that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Although separating races was very popular back then, it was truly an awful act. Having children separated because of their race is heart-breaking, having them taught to hate another race is even worse. The reason for this is because it starts a domino affect. One example of that is Lula. She was most likely taught as a child to hate opposite races and now she is spreading that knowledge as an adult. Racism is even more powerful than we thought.
http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/wayoflife/08/04/segregated.sundays/index.html?eref=bia_all
"Reverend Sykes hesitated. 'To tell you the truth, Miss Jean Louise, Helen's finding it hard to get work these days'...'Folks aren't anxious to-to have anything to do with any of his [Tom Robinson] family.'" page 164
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Reverend Sykes explains to Jem and Scout why the church is collecting so much money for the Robinson family. Calpurnia also explains to the children that no one is interested in hiring Helen Robinson because of what Tom Robinson was accused of.
I strongly agree with the actions being done by Reverend Sykes. I think that it's very generous that he is getting the entire church to donate some money for Mrs. Robinson's troubles. In fact. Reverend Sykes is so anxious on getting money for the Robinson family that he locks the church until they have raised ten dollars. When I was seven years old my aunt was going through a very rough time. She had just gotten divorced, she lost her job, and she couldn't afford a place of her own. So, she lived with us for a year and then got back on her feet. I feel a connection between Reverend Sykes and I because we were both able to help someone in a time of need.
This is another scene that connects to the theme of the damage done by racism. Although we don't know if Tom Robinson actually committed the crime, we do know two things. Mr. Ewell is not a reliable source of information because he's a drunk. We don't if we can believe half the things he says. Also, Mr. Ewell is extremely racist. Because of this background knowledge, we can assume that Mr. Robinson was falsely accused due to his race.
I agree with you in that it was so generous of Reverend Sykes to collect money for Helen and her family. Sometimes we all go through hard times, which is why I think it is so great that in our world today we have so many places to go for support. If you cannot afford food, you can go to soup kitchens, or to local food pantries where they try to give you anything they can. Even in our school, we have food and clothes drives to help out those in need. It is so wonderful that we have people in the world who are so willing to help others that are struggling.
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ReplyDeleteZeebo explained to Jem, Scout, and Calpurnia, “we’re mighty glad to have you all here. Don’t pay no ‘tention to Lula, she’s contentious because Reverend Sykes threatened to church her. She’s a trouble-maker from way back, got fancy ideas an’ haughty ways-we’re mighty glad to have you all.” p.159
ReplyDeleteEven though Lula judged and questioned the presence of Jem and Scout attending a colored church with Calpurnia, Zeebo made it clear that they were all welcome. I feel that even though there’s much segregation and racism taking place throughout the world, especially in the time period of the Great Depression, there are still many kind people who see more than just the color of one’s skin color, like Zeebo. However, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t an issue with segregation and racism.
Although there are many kind people, there are many unkind people as well. Racism and segregation was an issue during the Great Depression, and it still is an issue today, even though it is not as intense. Today, there are many hate-crimes targeted towards certain races, for example, http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/21/justice/san-jose-state-racial-bullying/ - on this link is an article about a boy who was attacked because of the color of his skin. It is tragic how, even today, racial crimes are being committed, and hopefully in the near future, the world will find a way to end it.
Lula’s harsh words towards Jem and Scout symbolize the theme in the book To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee that damage can be done by racism. Scout and Jem did not feel welcome in the church, and they had wanted to leave until Zeebo’s kind words comforted them, but Lula’s words still prove the theme to be true.
I agree Sonny. I think that people like Lula still exist in the world today. At first Lula judges Jem and Scout because they are white but realizes that they don't want to cause harm. If more people in the world today would give people a chance maybe they would find things in common and racism as a whole would be eliminated today. I also really enjoyed the link.
DeleteI agree when you, Preston, say that people like Lula still exist in the world but we don’t know why do they have this behavior. Maybe some people act like that because they are prevented by all the damage that white people did to colored people.
DeleteI agree Sonny. There are many people today who see more than just skin color. I believe racism would not be as big of a problem as it is today if there were more people like that.
DeleteSimilar to what I replied to other posts, a small act of kindness can go a long way for someone like Scout in which a small action like this can affect Scouts outlook in the future. Nice Job!
Delete“It was an ancient paint -peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of free slaves.” Chapter 12, page 157.
ReplyDeleteThis texts describes the church and explains how the church got its first name. I feel that the name of the church is so important. It grabbed my attention immediately. It makes reference to a very important time in history.
The theme that connects to this scene is freedom. This scene also shows hope, courage and dedication. It makes me realize how important religion was to the freed slaves. With their small wages they were able to make a “purchase” of this church.
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ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete“‘How’re we gonna sing it if there ain’t any hymn-books?’
Calpurnia smiled. ‘Hush baby,’ she whispered, ‘You’ll see in a minute.’
Zeebo cleared his throat and read in a voice like the rumble of distant artillery:
‘There’s a land beyond the river.’
Miraculously on pitch, a hundred voices sang out Zeebo’s words. The last syllable held to a husky hum, was followed by Zeebo saying,
‘That we call the sweet forever.’” Chapter 12 page 161
In this excerpt from the story, Scout is curious about how the members of the church will be able to sing without any books. Cal tells her that soon enough, she will find out. All at once, every person in the church begins to sing with Zeebo conducting. Scout and Jem usually go to the white church and they are very surprised when there are no books.
During this time period, public buildings, such as the church in the given scene, are segregated. In many cases, the buildings and facilities that were used by African Americans were very poorly equipped. For example, the all black church in the story doesn’t have any hymn books that people attending can use to follow along. Unfortunately today, this problem still exists. New statistics show that more than 40% of schools in low-income areas do not have as much state and local funds provided to them. Therefore, these schools do not have as large of a budget that they can use to accommodate the needs of students. Students in these districts are denied access to many resources that students in wealthier areas are granted. Overall, grades in wealthier schools are significantly higher than grades in poorer areas. Clearly, this statistic can impact the quality of learning throughout schools with high poverty rates. Similarly to how African Americans during the 1900s were deprived of well equipped facilities, many students throughout the nation are as well.
This scene relates to the theme of the damage done by racism. It is because of racism that segregation was implemented in the first place. This segregation then led to inequality among facilities provided to African Americans and Caucasian people. This scene gives a great example of the inequality because it shows how there are no books in the church.
http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/more-40-low-income-schools-dont-get-fair-share-state-and-local-funds-department-education-research-finds
http://sitemaker.umich.edu/salas.356/more_money__better_grades
“I wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to nigger church”… Lula stopped, but she said, You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Chapter 12, page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Lula is saying to Calpurnia that Jem and Scout are not welcome in First Purchase A.M.E Church.. Lula was not glad to have them in a church only for black people. Instead of being welcoming, Lula was being racist to Jem and Scout.
I wonder why is Lula is being so mean to the kids. I have thought that white people were the ones who were racist to black people. If there is only one God, why do they have to be separate or be classified?
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Lula was also affected by racism. She suffered from this and that is why she is being mean to Jem and Scout. This is the first time Jem and Scout experienced racism from a black woman. This puts them into a unique position. In that time some of the white people felt so important that they had to separate themselves of the black people. Calpurnia defends the kids and tells Lula that if there is only one God and they can go to the church with her.
Hey Yeimi! I agree about that whites are the racist but this reason is the one which makes colore people act like Lula in front of a white.
DeleteYes I do agree. They shouldn't separated, it is the same God they a worshiping. I also think that she treats them like that because she sees how whites treat blacks and thinks that they are all the same, so of course she wants to defend her race
DeleteHey Yeimi , I agree with you 100%. I also do think that due to Lula's past experiences with the whites is the reason why she is treating Scout and Jem the way she is .
Delete“You ain’t got no business bringing’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’ n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Ch. 12, page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Lula was trying to explain Miss Calpurnia that Scout and Jem do not belong in the church because their white. They can not be in the church so they must go to another one. Jem and Scout aren’t well welcome.
I strongly disagree with what Lula says. If I was in her place I would let white people go to whatever church they want. I would try to put white people and color people together because they believe on the same god.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. Scout and Jem are being affected because of their color skin. Lula was being unfriendly and not kind to Scout and Jem because she was trying to treat them the way white people have treated her.
Hi! I agree that if you're worshipping the same God then why do people have to worship in different places? They should be free to go and listen to any priest in any church as long as they all believe in the same thing.
DeleteHi Elizabeth, I agree with you when you say that white people and colored people would come together to the same church because there is only God. Although, we don’t know what happened to Lula to have resentment of whites.
Delete“It’s not necessary to tell all you know. It’s not lady like in the second place, folks don’t like to have somebody around knowin’ more than they do. It aggravates ‘em. You’re gonna change any of them by talkin’ right, they’ve got to learn there’s nothing you can do but keep your mouth shut or talk their language.” page 167
ReplyDeleteCal was explaining why she was talking different in church to Scout. She was explaining that every people has a different way of speaking and you wouldn’t talk same to each people. When you talk in your way, different as people or when you talk too much, they might think that you are showing that you know more than them and then they will be angry with you because people show their education level as they talk..
I strongly agree with Cal because I do talk differently to other people and I try to not say too much to not make someone angry to me when I talk something. In my opinion,everyone needs to talk to different kinds of people differently. For example, you wouldn't talk to your grandparent how you talk to your friends in school.
It is important to many people to have their way to talk because it could be the way that their family talk and the way of talking can show their personality, education level and show the way they lives.
This connects to the theme of theme of the importance of home and family. The way people talk is learned from school and their family. Scout and Jem have an opportunity to learn to speak correctly from their father, Atticus, and from school. Calpurnia didn’t have parents who could teach her and she didn’t have the opportunity to go to school, so she taught herself by reading book and listening to the people around her.
I Agree. Not only in America but in other countries there are formal and informal ways of speaking to each other. Plus, if everyone spoke the same way, there wouldn't be diversity in languages.
Delete‘Lula stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church ain’t it, Miss Cal?”’ page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this part of the book Calpurnia takes Jem and Scout to her church, First Purchase, for a Sunday mass, but when they arrived a woman named Lula didn’t like the idea of white children in a colored church. Lula wanted the children to stay in their church.
I strongly disagree with the idea that skin color separates people from worshipping the same God. In my church we have three priests of all different nationalities and skin colors and all of the people in the church are different too. Racism causes damage and I believe that my quote is an accurate example of that, because when Calpurnia and the children were confronted by Lula they were scared and wanted to leave, but it was the kind and caring words of Zeebo that made them feel more welcome.
I agree with you completely Sophia. Skin color should not separate people especially in a church. Both the blacks and the whites believe in the same god, so I don't understand why they couldn't go to church together.
Delete” To tell you the truth, Miss Jean Louise, Helen’s finding it hard to get work these days...when it’s picking time,i think mr link Deas‘ll talk her.” Page 164
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Reverend Skyes, the pastor of african American church, is talking to Scout. He is saying that Helen Robinson is finding it hard to get a job because of what her husband, Tom is accused of doing.
I think that is unfair what is happening to the Helen Robinson because is not her fault that she married a dark color man for love, not for his race and now she is struggling to find a job. She has three children and depends on the collections from the church.
The is connected to the theme of justice in the United States. Helen is treated unfairly because she is black. In the setting of the book, black people are not treated equally. I think if Helen were white, she would be able to find a job.
I agree that its unfair for Helen to not find a job when she hasn't done anything bad.
Delete
ReplyDelete"It was an ancient paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and a bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves" (Chapter 12. Page 157).
In this scene, the narrator talks about when the African Americans wanted to purchase a church, but they did not have a lot of money so they did the best they could and got a paint-peeled frame building. It makes me wonder how things would have been different if the people supported each other rather than arguing.
The themes that connect to this scene are the importance of home and family and the damage done by racism. Even though the church is not a home, the black people can feel safe, comfortable and equal. At the church, it is almost like they are one big family and they don't have to deal with the white people in the town where they get treated much differently. I also think that the separation of the races shows the damage done by racism because this church is just for blacks and the others are for whites. Neither race wants to interact with each other except for a few like Calpurnia and Jem. It is kind of sad that people who worship the same God could not do it together.
I feel that today things are very different because of the changes that have taken place in society. The church that I go to has many different types of people and they interact in many different ways. Today if you walk into most churches you wouldn’t be surprised to see a white and a black person sitting next to each other because in today's world everyone has equal rights and people aren't limited to a particular church. Also the priest at my church is black and back then that a black priest would not have preached to a mixed congregation. I think we have come a long way from racism. I am not saying that it is completely gone but there is definitely a lot less than there used to be. http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/10/18/bia.church.integration/
“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Lula is complaining because Calpurnia brought Jem and Scout to church with her on a Sunday morning. Lula does not want the Finch children at church with Calpurnia because they are white.
The theme that connects to this scene is the damage done by racism. After Lula makes this statement, the children feel uncomfortable because they know that their presence is not wanted by some. I think that whites should have been welcome to join the blacks at church. Especially Jem and Scout, whose father does a lot for the black community. A black man, Tom Robinson, is being accused for rape and Atticus is defending him. Atticus believes that everyone is equal, no matter what race and I agree with him. Today, everyone is considered equal. Everyone would be welcome to church regardless of their race. I think that it is wrong that Lula does not want Scout and Jem in church with her. Both races believe in the same god, so they should belong to the same church.
I agree with you Cassidy because it shouldn't matter what our race is. We should all come together to make our world a better place. It is very upsetting to still see racism and segregation in today's society.
Delete“Alec, shut the doors. Nobody leaves here till we have ten dollars.”
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Reverend Sykes is trying to collect donations for Tom Robinson’s wife, Helen. They do not collect ten dollars at first, so nobody can leave the church until enough money is donated. Eventually, people donate more money even though they don’t have much.
The theme that connects to this scene is the importance of home and family. Most of the people in this community have little money. They all still give what they have to Reverend Sykes for Helen Robinson, so she can provide for her family. These people are putting others living in their community before themselves. If I were Helen I would be very thankful. Her husband is being accused of rape and everyone is helping her get through this tough situation. This is similar to what I am learning in my global class. The Muslims had to give the poor a certain percent of money each year. Even if they owned very little, it was mandatory to give some of their money to the poor. In both situations, people are sharing what they have to help others, even if it is not much.
I agree with you 100%. People in that church community care for others when they are in need even though they do not have anything. People love and support each other and give when they barley have enough for themselves.
Delete“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillum here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Call?”
ReplyDeleteCalpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” page 158.
In this scene Lula, a lady who goes to Calpurnia’s church, is aggravated because Calpurnia brought Scout and Jem to church on a sunday. Lula has a dislike for white people so she is not pleased when she saw Scout and Jem. Lula complains to Calpurnia about these white people visiting a black church, when they have their own. Calpurnia then tells Lula that if we all worship the same God who says its all about forgiving then we should all be able worship together.
The theme that connects to this scene is damage done by racism. In this situation, Lula is resentful of racism. Before laws allowed all races to be apart, it was a very difficult life to live. People of the same race feel more comfortable living in their own communities or going got the same places with one another. So when Calpurnia showed up to church with Jem and Scout, Lula feared the fact of the white people taking what she had (church).
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ReplyDeleteLula stopped, but she said, “You ain’t got no business bringin‘ white chillun here —they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?”
ReplyDeleteCalpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?”
Jem said, “Let’s go home, Cal, they don’t want us here—”
I agreed: they did not want us here.
In this scene, Jem tells Calpurnia if Jem and Scout should leave or not. Lula doesn't want Jem and Scout to be here because of their color telling them that they have their own churches.
I feel that there was a lot of racism during that time but, not all white people were racist. There were some people that wanted to help them. Not only were they segregated but were poor. It is said that African Americans had 13 times less the payment. The theme here is the damage done by racism. We humans just because of color, lower payments and act horribly towards them. But, like Atticus there were some white people that respected them. Respected for their courage to stand up.
http://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2014/12/12/racial-wealth-gaps-great-recession/
DeleteSorry the Page Number is 158
DeleteI agree with you, people shouldn't separate by their skin color. The black people and white people both believe in same god so they should go to same church.
DeleteIt was an ancient paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and bell, called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves. Negros worshipped in it on Sundays and white men gambled in it on weekdays. Page 157.
ReplyDeleteIn this text, Scout is describing the First Purchase African M.E. Church, the church she and Jem go to one Sunday with Calpurnia. Here, she explains the differences on how blacks and whites use the church.
“One’s man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” is represented in this excerpt of the book, and this concept is still represented in the world today. In the book, First Purchase is used as a place of worship for the African American community, including Calpurnia and formerly, Tom Robinson. Places of worship are usually highly respected and well-maintained by the community, but the white community doesn’t seem to respect this building at all. White men use this place to gamble, something that is frowned upon in the Catholic world, which proves that they neglect the African-American’s place of worship that they very much respect. Today, this concept continues in instances such as a field trip to a museum where there are children who love and respect the exhibits while there are other children who disrespect the exhibits by fooling around and not caring if they disrupt anything.
A theme that can connect to this excerpt is damage done by racism. The sacrilegious whites who gamble in the black church are being disrespectful to the African American community, and it probably offends them, but this is the norm in this racist society.
“There was no sign of piano, organ, hymn-books, church, programs-the familiar ecclesiastical impedimenta we saw every Sunday. It was dim inside, with a damp coolness slowly dispelled by the gathering congregation” Pg: 159 L: 23
ReplyDeleteWhen Jem and Scout arrive to their First purchase, they were greeted by Reverent Sykes, who led them to the front pew. Scout and Jem started to saw every details of the church and they noticed that this church is totally different to the church that they normally go.
During this historical period African Americans did not have enough resources to remodel the church, or to buy things that put a better appearance to the church. The church has hymn-books only for people who could read, but most could not read, so they sing by echoing the words that Zeebo, Calpurnia's son and the town garbage collector, reads from Their only hymnal.
The theme that connect to this scene are the damage done by racism, many of the people in The First Purchase did not have the opportunity to go to school they were not allowed years before, the situation in Alabama was worst than during the Great Depression , their whole life was just work , Jem and Scout learn about the inequalities of blacks who cannot afford the luxuries that white people enjoy.
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ReplyDeleteHi Karen,
DeleteI agree with the part about how Scout and Jem noticed how Calpurnia's church was very different from the church that they normally go to. I think it was important that Calpurnia took them to her church because they were able to see the differences between how they were living and the things they had compared to how others were living during that time.
“Lula stopped, but she said ‘You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here- they got their church, we got our’n” Page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Calpurnia has taken Scout and Jem to her church only to be called out for bringing white children to a black church by Lula, a member of Cal’s Church. Calpurnia stands her ground and argues that they all worship the same god, so what is the problem.
What I find disturbing is the extreme levels of segregation in all aspects of their lives. Lula is very open and rude towards the children coming to the black church. Like many people of that time period Lula believed that black and white people should be separated. During the Great Depression segregation was very common. Thankfully today there is much fewer examples of such extreme racism however there continues to be inequalities between races and people continue to have harsh strong opinions like Lula towards different races.
This scene relates to the theme of the damages done by racism. The children are not welcomed into the church and treated rudely simply because of the color of their skin and the views of people at the time. Within small towns like Maycomb County separation in churches, schools, and public places was not uncommon. However, teaching children to feel superior to others because of their skin color is no way to live.
" I wants to know why you bringin' white children to nigger church " Pg 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene Calpurina is confronted by Lula a women who goes to the same church as her . She ask why Cal would Scout and Jem ( the white folk) to First Purchase African M.E if they already have their own church.
I wonder why Lula would say such things if the church is for people to feel safe , accepted and loved by their god. Does it bother her that Scout and Jem can come as they pleased and not be discriminated upon . Or maybe she doesn't like that the only place that she feels safe and at home with is being invaded. Many people still want and believe the world should be segregated by color , but people like Calpurina just wants to see everyone in harmony .
There are two themes tied into this scene and they are the meaning of courage and the damage done by racism . After Lula's rude comment towards Scout and Jem . Calpurina stands up to her and says that they are her guests and they can come as they pleased.
I completely agree! I was expecting most of the congregation to be kind and open towards Scout and Jem to set a good example for the African American community, as they are still young and new to the ways of their society. One good experience could drastically affect the way they see the world.
DeleteI agree that maybe Lula feels that the only place she feels safe is being invaded, but she also may feel a sense of injustice that whites can so easily attend an African-American mass at their church while blacks would be violently taken away if they were to even come close to a white church. This connects to the theme of true justice for all under the law in the United States, since rights are modified between races.
DeleteI agree with the fact that there are two very important themes in this scene of chapter 12. The damage done by racism takes a very important part in the novel. It's very upsetting and surprising to me that racism still exists today, even after what's occurred like sit-in's, riots, and wars.
Delete“Cal,” I asked, “why do you talk nigger-talk to the—to your folks when you know it’s not right?” Page 167
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Calpurnia takes Scout and Jem to the church for black people because she is watching over them while Atticus is away for two weeks due to an emergency session called by the state legislature. While at the church, Calpurnia speaks incorrectly just like the other African Americans during their time at the church, including an African American lady who dislikes white people named Lula. This perplexes Scout. Scout asks Cal why she talks differently to her peers opposed to how she talks to Jem and her.
I strongly agree with Calpurnia because although she is educated and can speak correctly, she feels that it would offend her fellow people if she spoke that way to them. If you act as know you are above someone, even if it is unintentional, it can make them feel inferior. How would you feel if someone spoke to you in a way that was difficult for you to understand? Calpurnia understands that the way that you act changes for different audiences. I do this all of the time without realizing, too. When I walk over to my friends, I use colloquial language, such as “hey” or “sup.” When I talk to a teacher, or a person of higher authority, I speak more formally and politely in order to be respectful. It would seem out of place for me to speak to my peers as if they were teachers, or if I were to speak to my teachers informally as if they were my friends.
The theme of importance of home and family is present in this scene. Calpurnia is sensitive to the other people in her community by communicating with them in the same manner in which they speak. She was taught to respect be sensitive to others throughout her lifetime. Cal is trying to explain and teach Jem and Scout this lesson.
Calpurnia sighed. “Old Mr. Bob Ewell accused him of rapin’ his girl and’ had him arrested and’ put in jail-” (bottom of page 164)
ReplyDeleteIn that part of the story, Calpurnia was talking to Jem and Scout after church about how Tom was accused of raping a girl and immediately thrown into jail.
What I find disturbing is that the whole town of Maycomb is in an uproar because Atticus is taking this case. They are calling him a “nigger lover” and despise the fact that he wants to help Tom. The whole town believes that Tom did the crime and deserves to be in jail when really there is no evidence against him yet.
After reading this chapter I decided to do some reasearch. I found an article that reminded me of what is happening to Tom. A man named Darryl Hunt (a black man) was convicted of the rape and murder of Deborah Sykes (a white woman) at age nineteen. There was no physical evidence pointing to Darryl having anything to do with the crime but was sentenced by an all white jury to life in prison. (The rest of the article is linked below.)
http://listverse.com/2013/03/27/10-people-who-were-wrongfully-accused-of-heinous-crimes/
My answer to the theme, “ Is there really justice for all under the law in the United States?” is no. I think there is justice for some under the law in the United States but not for all. There are lots of statistics about how black males are more likely to be put in jail or arrested than white males. In another article it said, “The police stop blacks and Latinos at rates that are much higher than whites.”(....) “When whites were stopped, only 8% were frisked. When blacks and Latinos are stopped 85% were frisked according to information provided by the NYPD.” In my opinion, the legal system is becoming corrupted due to racial profiling. ( The link to the rest of the article will be down below.
https://www.opendemocracy.net/bill-quigley/14-shocking-facts-that-prove-us-criminal-justice-system-is-racist
I totally agreed with your connection to our world today. I have heard stories of things happening like this in the United States justice system. There was a particular case recently regarding a black teenager being shot by a white man in Florida. The boy's name was Trayvon Martin, and although he was unarmed, the white man shit him due to racial profiling. He said he looked "real suspicious" when all Trayvon Martin had was candy and an iced tea. In the end, the white man, George Zimmerman, was acquitted even though he killed a young boy for no apparent reason.
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DeleteI have also heard of a story from this year that relates to a very similar topic. In Ferguson, a white police officer shot and killed a black teen after the police officer said that he attacked him and had a gun, but the teen had no gun on him. This is just one in a string of incidents that have occurred between white police officers and black teens. Many of these have been the result of racial profiling. The officer in Ferguson was even acquitted of his actions, and was not charged with murder. This shows that not everyone is equal under the law, and if the man killed was white, would the officer be in prison for his action?
Since Atticus was not going to be home in time for church services he left Jem and Scout a dime each for the collection plate. Calpurnia was not not comfortable with sending the two young Finches to services at their church on their own so she brought the children to her church. After attending Calpurnia’s church with Jem, Scout realizes something about Cal’s behavior there. Scout says “Cal,” I asked “ why do you talk that nigger-talk to the- to your folks when you know it ain’t right?”
ReplyDelete“It’s right hard to say,” she said “Suppose you and Scout talked colored-folks’ talk at home it’d be out of place, wouldn’t it? Now what if I talked white-folks’ talk at church, and with my neighbors? They’d think I was puttin’ on airs to beat Moses.” page 167
Calpurnia is expected to speak with correct grammar while she talks to white people like the Finch family. When she speaks to people in her own community she is expected to speak as if she was not as educated. There were only four people at Cal’s church who could read, including Cal and her son Zebbo. Cal tells Jem and Scout that Granddaddy Finch was the one who taught her to read., At that time it was still virtually unheard of that a person of color could read.
Even today inequality in education continues. Large urban areas have schools in low income areas that have larger than average class size which have an impact on student learning.
“... and when they don’t wanna learn there’s nothing else you can do but talk their language.”
This exchange between Scout and Cal shows the theme of damage done by racism because people of color were not supposed to be educated at all.
DeleteTo build on your statements about how the way you talk makes people think about you, this still can be applied to the real world today. A person could walk into a job interview, with qualifications,and a great recommendation, but could talk slang and disrespect the boss that way. But a person with less qualifications could go to that same interview, talk intellectually and sophisticatedly, and get chosen for the job over the first person. The way that you present yourself says a lot about you, and can have a large affect on a life.
Shortly after Jem, Scout, and Calpurnia enter the black church, an African-American woman named Lula gives them trouble. Lula doesn’t like white people and tells Calpurnia that she cannot bring the Finch children into their church because they have their own church for white people. Calpurnia does not back down and Lula goes away with the help of the other African Americans in her church including Zeebo, Calpurnia’s eldest son. Page 158
ReplyDeleteIn comparison to modern-day, there are still and always will be people who don’t like people that are different than themselves. In our world today, sometimes we cannot understand people who do not believe in the same things as us, look different than us, do different things than us, or just are different. We feel threatened just like Lula is in the novel. She doesn’t want Jem and Scout to be in the black church because she feels it is the property of her community. In our world today, people still feel threatened by people who are not the same as them resulting in many terrorist groups today. Isis is one of these terrorist groups who target anyone who is not Islamic and do terrible things to them. They want to eliminate the people who do not believe in the same things as them. They have beheaded people who are not part of their religion because they believe that people who do not believe in the same things as them are wrong. Just like Lula in this book, there are still people in our world today who do not like people that are different than themselves.
Themes that connect to our world today are the true definition of courage and damage done by racism. Calpurnia exhibits her courage when she stands up to Lula and doesn’t back down. She believes that Jem and Scout should be able to attend the church service in their church because both blacks and whites believe in the same God. Calpurnia stands her ground when Lula tells her to take Jem and Scout out causing Lula to leave. Calpurnia uses her words and reason to stand up to Lula. This shows the children that true courage consists of standing up for something that you believe in and has nothing to do with violence. This scene also shows the damage done by racism when Lula tells Calpurnia that Jem and Scout are not welcome because they are white. This makes the children very uncomfortable because she does not welcome their presence. In this situation, a black woman is discriminating white children which seems to be the opposite of most situations in this book.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/10/26/world/middleeast/horror-before-the-beheadings-what-isis-hostages-endured-in-syria.html?_r=0
“It’s because of what folks say Tom’s done,”she said. “Folks aren’t anxious to—to have anything to do with any of his family.” Page 164
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Calpurnia explains to Jem and Scout that the reason that people do not want to hire Helen Robinson, Tom’s wife, because her husband is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell. The people were not allowed to leave the church until ten dollars was donated for Helen and her three children.
What I find disturbing is that nobody wants to hire Helen even though she personally has not done anything wrong. It is not clear if Tom Robinson has actually raped Mayella, he is accused but has not been proven guilty. It is so wrong that his wife and family is being held responsible for his actions. In my life, I see this happen all of the time. For example, at camp one year a girl in my bunk bullied another girl in my bunk. Even though the rest of the people in my bunk were really nice to her, we all got blamed. Our reputation was destroyed, and we became known as the bullies. It is crazy how one person’s actions can affect the lives of so many others.
A theme that connects to this scene is the importance of home and family. Your family and home define who you are. Tom is accused of rape, which affects his whole family. Tom’s situation reflects badly upon his entire family and the black community. The Robinson’s are alienated making it impossible for Helen to get a job and earn money to feed her children. Tom’s being charged makes some of the white people feel that the blacks are inferior, horrible people because the way you are raised defines who you are.
I agree Lilia, I don't think it's fair for his family to be punished and they are not even sure if Tom did the crime. They are destroying the reputation of both Tom and his family and he could possibly be innocent.
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ReplyDelete“Jem said it looked like they could save the collection money for a year and get some hymn-books. Calpurnia laughed. ‘Wouldn’t do any good,’ she said. ‘They can’t read.’ ‘Can’t read?’ I asked. ‘All those folks?’ ‘That’s right,’ Calpurnia nodded. ‘Can’t but about four folks in First Purchase read… I’m one of ‘em.’ Page 165.
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Calpurnia is explaining to Jem and Scout how there is no need for hymn-books in her church because no one but four people are able to read in her church.
A theme that can connect with this scene is damage done by racism. It’s clear that segregation is a main cause of the high illiteracy rate of the African-American community in Maycomb. Schools are segregated by the racist society, and the black schools typically have less qualified teachers, less/cheaper school supplies, and a less comfortable environment than white schools. For this reason, most are illiterate. Also, because blacks are usually poorer than whites because they have less rights and less job opportunities, many children stay home and don’t go to school at all to work and aid their families.
Unfortunately, illiteracy remains to be present in many parts of the world. In the book, illiteracy in the African-American community is an effect of discrimination. In today’s American society, discrimination in the education system is illicit, so therefore the illiteracy rates have dropped dramatically since the Great Depression. However, the illiteracy rates are still very high in some parts of Africa such as Niger, which according to data.worldbank.org, has an 85% illiteracy rate of people ages fifteen and above. In contrast, the primary reason for this is that the country itself is simply too poor to afford great schools with qualified teachers and supplies, not discrimination. Also, children are needed at home to work in order for their families to get by, just like they did in the novel in the racist society of Maycomb, Alabama.
DeleteI agree with your statement, as unfortunate as it may be, the lack of education in this country, and its quality, is what can drive to illiteracy. Without qualified teachers that take pride in making children love to learn and read, our education, literacy rate, and test scores as a country will never go up. We live in a privileged town, with great education and teachers. But that is not universal. Within 50 miles of here there are schools without qualified teachers. And those teachers are worsening our education as a country.
"Jem said, 'Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here--' I agreed: they did not want us here. I sensed, rather than saw, that we were being advanced upon." Page 159
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Jem is talking to Cal. He wants to leave her church because he feels that the people don't want him nor Scout in their church. Scout agrees with him.
What I find disturbing is that similar situations to this still occurs today, between any two races. Recently, the SAE fraternity at the University of Oklahoma was shut down due to a racist chant by the students. They were saying things that were degrading to African-Americans and wanting to ostracize them from the fraternity (http://n.pr/1Ftzzbt).
Racism has seriously damaged society. Not only in the past, but even now today. Racism between any two races is evident of how damaging it is. For example: the SAE frat house. Being racist has not only offended the people of the university, but has gotten the students singing the chant in trouble. The frat house has been shut down, and the students were expelled from the school. Considering it is 2015, the U.S. and it's people should have let go of racism a long time ago. The slaves were freed in the late 1800s, and were given more rights throughout the 60s. Much time has passed since these events, and so these things should not be happening anymore.
"The Governor was eager to scrape a few barnacles off the ship of state; there were sit-down strikes is Birmingham; bread lines in the cites grew longer, people in the country grew poorer." Ch. 12, page 154
ReplyDeleteThis scene is explaining how more and more people were becoming unemployed and poor. People had to stand in lines so that they would be able to eat.
The theme that connects to this is "Is there really justice for all under the law in the US". People who were poor had difficulties finding jobs. Many became unemployed and had to wait in lines for food. This shows that there wasn't justice for all under the law because, everyone deserves to have a job no matter how poor you are. Today people are facing these problems and have to wait long lines outside of food pantries to provide their families with something to eat.
On PG# 154, Calpurnia states, “I just can’t help it if Mister Jem’s growin’ up. He’s gonna want to be off to himself a lot now, doin’ whatever boys do, so you just come right on to the kitchen when you feel lonesome. We’ll find lots of thing to do in here.”
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Calpurnia explains to the already aggravated Scout about how her brother Jem is becoming a Mister, Calpurnia’s way of explaining Jem’s coming of age. This shows the theme of growing up, something we all face. As Jem is a boy, and Scout is a girl, others have set expectations of them. Calpurnia’s mentioning of the kitchen is in a way setting the goal for a girl like Scout, something she’s obviously not interested in.
As a kid in a pretty strict household, there are set examples for me to. Some of which are to get expected grades and a few certain career choices, similar in a way to Scout’s situation.
“It was an ancient, paint-peeled frame building, the only church in Maycomb with a steeple and a bell,called First Purchase because it was paid for from the first earnings of freed slaves. Negroes worshipped in it on Sunday, and white men gambled in it on the weekdays.” (Page 157)
ReplyDeleteIn this point in the story, Calpurnia is taking Scout and Jem to church, and Scout is describing the church.
This quote shows a clear segregation between white Americans, and black Americans. What I find disturbing is the fact that a place of worship that freed slaves paid for is not always used as a place of worship, it is used as a place in which men gamble away their money. This action shows how the white people belittled the beliefs and the place of worship, just because it was African American. What really frustrates me is that both the white people and the African American people are worshipping the same God and the same ideals. This connects to an article that I read in Social Studies about men and women being segregated in Saudi Arabia. They were never allowed to see each other, and had to use different facilities and businesses. The same was with colored and white people in the segregated parts of America.
This shows the theme of the damage done by racism. It shows this because all the African American people in the town had to go to a small, run-down church, which had peeling paint. The separation of religious buildings shows the extent of how racist this country used to be. What I am trying to say is, if two people are worshipping together, they are essentially the same. They believe in the same ideals, and although their skin color may be different, what they believe, which is what matters, remains the same. How did people justify their hatred for one another when they value the same thing?
http://teacher.scholastic.com/scholasticnews/indepth/upfront/features/index.asp?article=f090108_saudi_boys
Delete"I just cant help it if Mister Jem growin up.Hes gonna want to be off to himself alot now, doin whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome....Page 154
ReplyDeleteIn this scene Scout is telling us that it has been difficult living with Jem because he is getting older and is becoming more independent. Jems appetite was appalling and Scout told Atticus "Reckon hes got a tapeworm?" Atticus says no hes just growing.
I think what Jem is going through is very relatable because individuals the age of 12 and up begin to change. Alot of high schoolers have changed for example There personality, The people they hang out with and there feelings and emotions. Also they begin to have relationships and act different.
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ReplyDelete“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Ch. 12, page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene Miss Cal is trying to bring Scout and Jem into an African American church called the First Purchase African American M.E. Church. The Church was payed for with the earnings of freed slaves. Miss Cal is trying to take them to the Church because Atticus is away and she feels that they need to be taken care of.
This quote goes to show that African American people back in this time period did not like white people. The fact that they did not want a couple of white kids in their church who came with a parishioner proves this. You would think all would be welcomed, because it is a place of worship, of God and is supposed to be a welcoming place for all. I see where they are coming from though, the fact that the Church was built by free slaves explains why the people there would not care for white people. Since it was built by freed slaves most of the people who attend the church would have some kind of connection to them, or themselves have been enslaved or family members. In comparison to today this experience would have been totally different for Scout and Jem if they tried to go to an African American church. They would have been welcomed with open arms because nowadays in America people are able to look past the color of skin and look at what’s on the inside which is really what’s important. Since they have the same spiritual viewpoint they would have fit right in because in present day the color of skin does not matter we are all equal.
This quote can relate to the theme the true definition of courage. It relates to this theme because when this book took place people believed white people to be more powerful than African Americans. Standing up to white people was not a common thing back then especially if their dad was one of the most powerful people in town, which Atticus is. This was something that most people would have been scared to be but she stood up for what she believed in and voiced her opinion which I truly respect.
I agree with your statement Max to a certain extent. Although she stood up for what she believed in, and that she would have been treated even worse if she had walked into a white church, to me, she in not the most courageous of people. To show real courage would have been to let Jem and Scout in, no questions asked. By acknowledging their differences, she adds to the racial tension that this book so clearly shows. To conclude, Lula’s actions were courageous, but they were not the most courageous that she could have done.
Delete"Jem said, 'Let's go home, Cal, they don't want us here--' I agreed: they did not want us here. I sensed, rather than saw, that we were being advanced upon." Page 159
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Jem is talking to Cal. He wants to leave her church because he feels that the people don't want him nor Scout in their church. Scout agrees with him.
What I find disturbing is that similar situations to this still occurs today, between any two races. Recently, the SAE fraternity at the University of Oklahoma was shut down due to a racist chant by the students. They were saying things that were degrading to African-Americans and wanting to ostracize them from the fraternity (http://n.pr/1Ftzzbt).
Racism has seriously damaged society. Not only in the past, but even now today. Racism between any two races is evident of how damaging it is. For example: the SAE frat house. Being racist has not only offended the people of the university, but has gotten the students singing the chant in trouble. The frat house has been shut down, and the students were expelled from the school. Considering it is 2015, the U.S. and it's people should have let go of racism a long time ago. The slaves were freed in the late 1800s, and were given more rights throughout the 60s. Much time has passed since these events, and so these things should not be happening anymore.
“I wants to know why you bringin’ white chillun to nigger church.””You ain’t got no business bringing’ white chillun here-they got their church, we got our n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Calpurnia said, “It’s the same God, ain’t it?” Chapter 12 page 158
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Lula a women who attends the local black church, is talking to Calpurnia. She is asking her why she is bringing white people into their church. Calpurnia is confused as to why it matters that they attend the same church because they all share the same god.
I find it shocking that the blacks and the whites share the same god yet, they cannot practice their shared religion in the same church. Today in our world, racism has decreased a lot from the 1930’s but it still occurs today. People may say that they are not racist but, many people are without realizing it. I have heard my friends say racist remarks about people of other ethnicities or say a stereotype about another race that is not true. It is racist and many people think that saying a stereotype you heard about another race is not racism but, it is and it is not right.
This theme connects to damage done by racism because people have been so segregated that they have this idea about another race in their head. People are practicing the same religion but have to be separated because of their skin color. To me that is absurd because skin color should not define a person, it is on the inside that counts. People are so segregated that they would not allow to innocent white children into the black church. This situation is a great example of how racism affected and damaged people.
“I just can't help it if Mister Jems growin up. Hes gonna want to be off to himself a lot now, doin whatever boys do, so you just come right on in the kitchen when you feel lonesome”.... page 154
ReplyDeleteIn this scene Scout is telling us that it has been difficult living with Jem because he is getting older and becoming more independent and acting different.. So scout told Atticus “Reckon hes got a tapeworm?” and atticus said no hes just growing up. Jems appetite was appalling and he would tell scout to stop pestering him.
I think Jem is acting like any other individual thats growing up because when you get to ages 12 and up you act different and have different feelings and emotions. I know alot of high schoolers and middle schoolers that begin to have relationships and sometimes there personality changes and the people they hang out with. So I think Jem and his situation is relatable to lots of students 12 and up.
ReplyDelete“You ain’t got no business bringin’ white chillun here--they got their church, we got our’n. It is our church, ain’t it, Miss Cal?” Pge. 158
In this scene, Calpurnia is taking Jem and Scout to her own black people’s church while Atticus is out on a work trip. As the three are entering the church, Calpurnia gets into a aggressive argument with a woman named Lula and argue about bringing the white children (Jem and Scout) to a black church.
The theme that connects to the scene is the damage done by racism. This is because the white people within’ several communities throughout the United States are very racist and do things that aren’t necessary and think they are “helping” people for the best. For instance, the segregated churches in this scene make the same race get into really big arguments and even fist fights for what the white people think “helps.” In addition, there were water fountains, restaurants, and even bathrooms for the different races throughout the 20th century. This only caused more and more segregation and people fighting for equal rights.
“She asked me to tell you you must try to behave like the little lady and gentlemen that you are. She wants to talk to you about the family and what it’s meant to Maycomb County through the years, so you’ll have some idea of who you are, so you might be moved to behave accordingly.” He concluded at a gallop. Page 177-178
ReplyDeleteIn this scene, Atticus is talking to Jem and Scout about a message from Aunt Alexandra. They both want them to live up to the families reputation and be respectful and mature young adults. Atticus wants them to behave and learn from the rest of his families actions.
I agree with what Atticus and Aunt Alexandra are trying to teach Scout and Jem. Atticus wants to raise his children to become intelligent and brave young adults and he wants to teach them that kindness can make a difference. My parents are similar to Atticus in they way that they taught me to act respectful and to try to my best ability. They always encourage me and help me to do my best.
This scene is related to the theme of importance of family because it shows the importance to Atticus that he raises his children to be respectful, brave and kind. Aunt Alexandra also finds it very important that Scout and Jem grow up to be behaved. This shows the importance of family in their lives because it's important to them that the kids grow up right. They want them to grow up to be like rest of their family and even though Aunt Alexandra may seem mean to Scout, she is doing it out of love.