There has been a fair amount of controversy recently around a novel which seemed universally celebrated for decades. To Kill a Mockingbird was published in 1960 and it was a largely autobiographical work by the late Harper Lee. That has become a significant part of the issue, in that it tells the story of a noble lawyer, Atticus Finch, who defends a black man, Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of rape in a tired Southern town during the 1930's. This story of racial inequality and prejudice is told by Finch's daughter "Scout" who is, in effect, Harper Lee.
I didn't read the novel in school, even though millions have through the years but I've seen the film starring Gregory Peck several times. I loved the movie and its themes but it honestly didn't occur to me that it perpetuates the "white saviour" motif and that Tom isn't a well developed character. Nor are other persons of colour, including the housekeeper Calpurnia, who essentially raises the motherless children. Critics have argued persuasively that there are other novels which could be taught in schools, included The Book of Negroes, which would present fully realized racialized characters. Upon reflection I appreciate that this is true.
I took the graphic novel version of To Kill a Mockingbird out of the library and I've enjoyed it. There is a scene in which Calpurnia takes Scout and Jem to her church while their father is away from town.Although the majority of parishioners welcome them during their church visit, one woman challenges the presence of these white children, a form of racism in itself. Calpurnia responds by calling them her guests and saying "it's the same God, ain't it?"
Those of us who have been part of the entitled majority --hey, I'm a white male Christian Baby-boomer! -- are learning to see and hear differently, I hope we continue to learn, although Jesus may need to throw a little more mud on our eyes to give us the vision we truly need.
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