Oppression Post #1

" "First of all," he said, "if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view-"
      "Sir?"
      "--until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." Atticus said I had learned many things today, and Miss Caroline had learned several things herself." (pg. 39)




     This bit of knowledge was shared by Atticus to Scout after she had spilled her day's misfortunes with Atticus. He enlightened her with this, actually, really nice quote that shows Atticus's compassion. As a lawyer, he has learned how to respect most people, if not everyone, and see thing from their point of view. It is very easy to oppress someone by not seeing things from their shoes, which happens all the time. It's hard to learn to listen to everyone especially if your own views go against what they have to say.

      Even today, jumping to conclusions is an issue. In public schools for example, the main reason kids have trouble fitting in is that their peers judge them too quickly. If people took time to know someone before they made an opinion, things would kinda go a lot smoother. Not taking the time to see things from others points of view can lead to bullying in schools, so taking the time to explain to kids why having a wide perspective is important can help both you and them down the line.

     I'm glad that Atticus taught Scout this bit of information early on in her life, because it will probably stick with her longer. I really agree with Atticus throughout this book so far and the life tips he always has for Scout and Jem always have a way of working themselves into the plot later.
Back to the main topic, I've personally experienced both sides of this lesson; I've had my ideas be overlooked, and I've jumped the gun on people, making opinions before I really get to know them.. Atticus, you're a good man. Keep teaching your kids this way, and they'll have a long life ahead of them.