Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird is one of the most famous yet controversial books of all time. It tells the story of a young girl who’s father defends a black man wrongfully accused of raping a white woman. The book is viewed as controversial because it uses harsh language and racial slurs, and also deals with adult topics like rape and prejudice. Although these may seem like valid reasons to keep this novel off of reading lists, the lessons this book teaches make it an important read for high school students.
While the book does contain offensive language, it is not without reason. Use of the n-word and inclusion of awful racial insults paint a picture of what was really going on in the south during this time period. These terms can be sensitive for some, but it is important for students to understand what the world was like for black people during this time. We can’t just sweep these harsh realities under the rug, we must acknowledge and learn from them. Of course, non-black teachers and students should not be saying these words aloud, but I think it is completely fine to read books with these words in them. People also find the topics of rape and discrimination to be too adult for high school or middle school students, but unfortunately these are aspects of our past and our present and ignoring them does not help trying to prevent it.
Books that make you feel uncomfortable and raise controversy are often good books that lead to powerful discussions. It is good to be upset about the injustice that happens in this book because it inspires conversation about these topics and can eventually lead to change. If we are always keeping kids in the dark about the bad of the world, we delay their ability to grasp and understand reality.
The book also teaches students about empathy and understanding the lives of those different from you. When students read the book they often mature in a way similar to how Scout herself does; after gaining more knowledge about the world and how some people are treated, she learns to always respect others and their differences.
Another important reason to teach the book is simple: it is a fantastic story. Along with robbing them from the lessons they could learn, it wouldn’t be fair to take away an opportunity for students to read a classic piece of American literature. A lot of kids only read when they have to for school, but introducing them to an amazing book could be enough to get them to read more.
At the end of the day this book will provide students with important life lessons, and will lead to engaging discussions. It is vital that this book is taught correctly so students are allowed to express their feelings on the book and gain better understanding from their peers. Keeping this book on reading lists means a future of more knowledgeable and well rounded students.
