Does it Make Sense for Attiucs to Defend Tom Robinson in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee?

In the 1930s, the universe of obligation favors only white, well-known men. In the justice system, racism rules over every black man. In To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Atticus, a prominent white lawyer in the town of Maycomb, is defending Tom Robinson, a well-respected black man, for the false accusation of rape towards a teenage girl. When Atticus defends Tom Robinson, he receives criticism and harassment by the people of Maycomb. Although the town feels otherwise, Atticus should defend Tom Robinson because in his opinion, he will consider himself white trash if he doesn’t try, he has to go with his morals, and he treats others the way they want to be treated. 

One reason why Atticus should defend Tom Robinson is because if he doesn’t he will consider himself white trash. He parents his kids in a way that allows them to form their own opinions, without the constant influence of the town. Atticus tells Jem and Scout that as they “‘grow older, you’ll see white men cheat black men everyday of your life, but let me tell you something... that white man is trash’” (252). Although Atticus hasn’t experienced racism first hand he advocates for Tom, who clearly has. Atticus risks his honorable reputation to stand up for Tom, when no other white person will. It makes sense for Atticus to defend Tom because it proves that Atticus by his definition, is not white trash. 

A second reason why Atticus should defend Tom Robinson is because he follows his morals. Many people in Maycomb have their own ideas on how Atticus should handle Tom’s court case, but Atticus chooses to do what he thinks is morally right. Atticus still supports the people of Maycomb, even if they don’t support him because, “.no matter how bitter things get, they’re still our friends and this is still our home” (87).  The trial divides him and most of the townspeople in Maycomb but he still remains respectful and friendly towards all. Atticus does not let his views be affected by others even throughout the violence and gossip his family has gone through. It does make sense that he defends Tom because he acts in a way that reflects his beliefs although some people don’t agree. 

 Furthermore, Atticus should defend Tom Robinson because he believes that people should treat others as they would want to be treated. After multiple times of Miss Croline yelling at Scout for knowing how to read, Scout is getting relentless and frustrated. Scout no longer wants to go back to School because of Miss Caroline calling her out, Atticus explains to Scout that “you never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (33).  Atticus attempts to see things from Tom's perspective when he goes to defend him and prove his innocence. Atticus is questioned for his integrity and loyalty he shows towards Tom, but it does not make him doubt himself. It does make sense for Atticus to defend Tom because he sticks to his beliefs and he attempts to show an understanding for everyone, even including Tom. 

In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus stands up for what is right by truly defending Tom Robinson by following his beliefs, obligations and ethics even if others disagree. Many people think it is wrong for a white man to defend a black man in this time period; however, Atticus chooses to do what he believes is right. He proves he is not white trash by not discriminating against Tom because he is African American. He does not change his thinking for the comfort of other people; when something goes against his morals, he does what he thinks is right. He is able to see Tom’s innocence by understanding the situation from his perspective. No matter the situation, people should follow what they think is morally right, even if it goes against other people’s comfort. People may be discriminated against for several reasons, but standing up for what is right creates change.