# data[].attributes.body
This stack would be perfect to offer students while teaching Harper Lee's To Kill A Mockingbird since it is still part of the required ELA curriculum at most high schools. It would broaden student's perspectives on the race and gender roles and relations in the novel and connect it to present day society as well. It delves deeper into the issues presented in the novel as well as exploring some more problematic aspects of the novel as well. This unit could then springboard into a unit specifically about LTSs and allow the students to built their own stacks surrounding another novel.

# data[].attributes.body
1. How do race and gender/racism and sexism manifest in the canonical ELA curriculum?

# data[].attributes.body
2. How can we teach required texts in ways that help students develop their critical consciousnesses and look at them in multifaceted ways?

# data[].attributes.body
3. How do canonical texts and the race and gender representation within them relate to the state of race and gender in today's society?

# data[].attributes.body
RL.9-10.2 Analyze literary text development.
a. Determine a theme of a text and analyze in detail its development over
the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and
refined by specific details.
b. Provide an objective summary of the text that includes the theme and
relevant story elements.
RL.9-10.6 Analyze how a point of view, perspective, or cultural experience is
reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a
wide reading of world literature.

# data[].attributes.body
Check out how early the effects of racism can unconsciously seep into children's minds. Think about Scout's upbringing and attitude toward racism and prejudice.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Doll test - The effects of racism on children (ENG)

# data[].attributes.body
This is a trailer for a documentary about a real case that occurred in 1989. Feel free to watch the entire documentary, or you can find "When They See Us," a short series based on this story, on Netflix! This is optional, but if you're interested in learning more it is available to watch.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Central Park Five Official Trailer #1 (2012) - Ken Burns Documentary Movie HD

# data[].attributes.body
This may seem like a background plot in To Kill A Mockingbird, but this article offers a still-important view through a less-used critical lens.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
From racism to gender roles, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee comments on the prejudices intertwined in the fabric of Southern society in the USA during the 1930s, in the aftermath of the Great Depression. This iconic novel is celebrated even today as an example of great American literature. Lee creates characters brimming with complexity, personality and most importantly, human flaws and struggles.

The main character around which the novel revolves is a six-year-old girl: Jean Louise Finch, mostly known as Scout. Scout grows up in the small town of Maycomb, a fishbowl where everyone knows everyone and privacy and secrets are unheard of. She is a 'tomboy', always in overalls and muddy shoes, spending the majority of her time playing with her older brother, Jem, and friend, Dill.

She is fierce and tough, and sees the world in black and white. Jem, four years her senior, is more adept at spotting the grey areas. Both children have been raised by their father, Atticus, a forthcoming lawyer with a strong sense of morals and great respect for his two children.

When I read the novel for the first time, I was immediately intrigued by Lee's depiction of gender roles and gender prejudice within Maycomb's society. The story is narrated by both young Scout and an older, more mature Scout reflecting on her childhood. It covers a span of three years and follows the children through turbulent and confusing times in their lives.

Accustomed to a quiet and relatively monotonous routine, Scout finds adjusting to the changes in the world around her based on new events in Maycomb difficult. This bildungsroman, a coming of age novel, makes interesting observations about many aspects of Scout's life and surroundings, but perhaps the most astute are about her existence as a young girl expected to conform to societal standards for women. These standards are best illustrated by the personalities and behaviours of the women in the novel.

Scout is used by Lee to demonstrate how societal expectations of feminine behavior are pushed upon girls right from a young age. She is described as a tomboy, and does not fit the stereotype for young, gentle and petite girls. She is tough and playful and spends her time outdoors instead of behaving in the expected 'ladylike manner'.

She initiates brawls, curses with excitement and makes curt and sarcastic comments about adults. All in all, she comes across as a likeable and high-spirited character, who readers can easily empathize with.

Scout is used by Lee to demonstrate how societal expectations of feminine behavior are pushed upon girls right from a young age.

Scout doesn't conform to gender roles, and is upset when she is made to. As she grows up, she has to begin attending the local school. On her first day of school she is forced to wear a dress, much to her displeasure. She feels uncomfortable in it, and unlike herself. However, she has no choice as it was deemed the appropriate clothing for girls.

This ensures that she is silent and doesn't voice any more concerns lest she is forbidden from joining their adventures in the future. Over time, she is distanced from the two boys, who begin to exclude her from their games and spend their time together. This brings her into closer contact with the other strong female character of the book, Miss Maudie Atkinson.

Also Read: A Feminist Reading of Virginia Woolf's Orlando: A Biography

Lee does not give her a husband and children, which adds to her independence and confidence as an individual, instead of as a character in a familial setting. Throughout the novel, she helps Scout understand their world better, and does not treat her as a naïve child. When discussing religion and Christianity with Scout, she tells her, "Sometimes the Bible in the hand of one man is worse than a whiskey bottle in the hand of - oh, of your father".

Scout confides in her and values her opinions, and Miss Maudie is almost a mother figure in Scout's life. Scout reflects upon her relationship with Miss Maudie, saying, "She had an acid tongue in her head" but "Jem and I had considerable faith in Miss Maudie" as "she was our friend".

While being optimistic and kind, Miss Maudie is not afraid to voice her beliefs or move against the tide of popular opinion. At a ladies' tea, she is upset by the women being intolerant and racist towards their black help, and snaps at one of the women complaining about her cook.

In contrast to Miss Maudie, Scout's Aunt Alexandra represents the ideal Southern family-oriented woman. She is at the other end of the spectrum, with her conventional beliefs and constant disapproval of Scout's tomboyish behavior. She complains about Scout wearing overalls to Atticus who is frustrated by her frequent criticism, and Scout describes the exchange as "The only time I ever heard Atticus speak sharply to anyone".

Aunt Alexandra repeatedly tells her that she cannot be a lady if she does not dress like one.

She enforces this and tries to get Scout to conform to gender roles despite seeing how resistant she is to them. She takes part in all the 'right activities', such as hosting missionary circles, joining clubs and gossiping with a passion. She is portrayed as judgmental and is quick to create prejudices in her mind about others.

While Scout tries to remain indifferent towards her Aunt and her efforts, at a point in the novel, she begins to respect her. When dealing with a crisis during her ladies' tea, Aunt Alexandra regains her composure and handles it gracefully, resulting in Scout remarking, "If Aunty could be a lady at a time like this, so could I".

However, it is regarded as timeless for a reason- Lee's skilful character development and narration creates a powerful and relatable story, one that is both informative and thought provoking. As a feminist, seeing its depiction of sexism and gender stereotypes was interesting as it helped me gain a better understanding of the manifestations of conventional ideals in a young girl's life.

Also Read: Book Review: The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood, A Visceral Experience
A 17 year old feminist, Tara loves poetry, discussing opinions and napping. She is happiest when she has a warm cup of chai in one hand and a book in the other. Featured Image Credit: Adarsh Badri

Tara loves poetry, discussing opinions and napping. She is happiest when she has a warm cup of chai in one hand and a book in the other.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Gender Roles And Stereotyping In To Kill A Mockingbird

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From racism to gender roles, To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee comments on the prejudices intertwined in the fabric of Southern society in the USA during the 1930s, in the aftermath of the Great Depression . This iconic novel is celebrated even today as an example of great American literature.

# data[].attributes.body
Check out this little cartoon and think about Aunt Alexandra's role and attitude in the novel.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
#greenscreenvideo what did she sayyyyy. #fypシ #viral #whitesavior #whatdidshesayyy 🤦🏿‍♀️☠️

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.embed_code
@rosashablaize
#greenscreenvideo what did she sayyyyy. #fypシ #viral #whitesavior #whatdidshesayyy 🤦🏿‍♀️☠️
♬ original sound - Tik Toker

# data[].attributes.body
My stack offers perspectives and views of black people in America to contrast and compare with Tom in TKAM. This stack should help students both understand Tom's position while also recognizing certain racist stereotypes present in Lee's novel. It should also help students develop critical consciousness by making parallels between the book and today's society in terms of race and racism as well as sexism and gender stereotyping.

# data[].attributes.body
Explore this interactive list and think about what you find.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Year: 2014

What she was doing: At home.

How she was killed: Rosser's boyfriend, Victor Stephens, called 911 to ask the police to escort her out of the house because of an altercation. The official report says that when the officers entered the home, Rosser was holding a knife and refused to drop it. Officer Mark Raab used his taser. Officer David Ried fired a single shot that killed her.

Action taken: Ried did not face any charges over Rosser's death. The police department and city implemented reforms, including equipping officers with body cameras.

Correction - 3/3/2021: A previous version of this profile showed an incorrect image for Aura Rosser. That illustration has been replaced with a new sketch.
These are just a few of the Black Americans killed by police. There are many, many more. Produced by:
Alia Chughtai
Illustrations by:
Christian Mugarura Mafigiri
For @AJLabs
Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Know their names: Black people killed by the police in the US

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Between 2014 and 2020, police in the United States killed at least 7,680 people. Twenty-five percent of those killed were Black, although Black Americans make up just 13 percent of the population. In most cases, little or no action was taken against the officers involved.

# data[].attributes.headline
Childish Gambino's "This is America" Music Video

# data[].attributes.subject
Childish Gambino's "This is America" Music Video

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Childish Gambino - This Is America (Official Video)

# data[].attributes.body
My stack focuses primarily on racism in TKAM as well as how similar issues still exist today, but I could have included more texts about the gender aspect involved in the novel as well. There is always possibility for more perspectives and texts to add more and more to the learning experience. I tried to be very inclusive of voices with my stack especially when it comes to race and racism, but there could always be more!

# data[].attributes.body
This movie clip portrays Tom's testimony in court. Pay special attention to the opposing lawyer and his attitude toward Tom.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
To Kill A Mockingbird(1962) - The Trial Scene(Tom Robinson's testimony)

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
What's something you notice about how they choose to portray Scout in the movie?

# data[].attributes.body
Just an FYI, this video is explicit! If you don't feel comfortable watching, that is okay.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a poem many of you may have very well heard of before, but this time try and think about what it says in the context of TKAM.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Take up the White Man's burden -
    Send forth the best ye breed -
Go bind your sons to exile
    To serve your captives' need;
To wait in heavy harness
    On fluttered folk and wild -
Your new-caught sullen peoples,
    Half devil and half child.

Take up the White Man's burden -
    In patience to abide
To veil the threat of terror
    And check the show of pride;
By open speech and simple,
    An hundred times made plain,
To seek another's profit,
    And work another's gain.

Take up the White Man's burden -
    The savage wars of peace -
Fill full the mouth of famine
    And bid the sickness cease;
And when your goal is nearest
    The end for others sought,
Watch Sloth and heathen Folly
    Bring all your hopes to nought.

Take up the White Man's burden -
    No tawdry rule of kings,
But toil of serf and sweeper -
    The tale of common things.
The ports ye shall not enter,
    The roads ye shall not tread,
Go make them with your living,
    And mark them with your dead !

Take up the White Man's burden -
    And reap his old reward,
The blame of those ye better,
    The hate of those ye guard -
The cry of hosts ye humour
    (Ah slowly !) towards the light:-
"Why brought ye us from bondage,
    "Our loved Egyptian night ?"

Take up the White Man's burden -
    Ye dare not stoop to less -
Nor call too loud on Freedom
    To cloak your weariness;
By all ye cry or whisper,
    By all ye leave or do,
The silent sullen peoples
    Shall weigh your Gods and you.

Take up the White Man's burden -
    Have done with childish days -
The lightly proffered laurel,
    The easy, ungrudged praise.
Comes now, to search your manhood
    Through all the thankless years,
Cold-edged with dear-bought wisdom,
    The judgement of your peers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Take up the White Man's burden - Send forth the best ye breed - Go bind your sons to exile To serve your captives' need; To wait in heavy harness On fluttered folk and wild ...

# data[].attributes.body
View this cartoon while keeping in mind what we've been learning about critical lenses in class!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Log in or sign up to leave a comment

A subreddit for propaganda collectors, enthusiasts, or all who are fascinated by propaganda as an insight into history, sociology, perspective, and manipulation through art and other mediums

Reddit Inc © 2021 . All rights reserved

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Racist cartoon - "The White Man's Burden" (1899)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Log in or sign up to leave a comment A subreddit for propaganda collectors, enthusiasts, or all who are fascinated by propaganda as an insight into history, sociology, perspective, and manipulation through art and other mediums Reddit Inc © 2021 . All rights reserved