![]() ![]() We edited for clarity considering the current political context/climate.To Kill a Mockingbird Essays Plot Overview ![]() (*”elements of”- Added to clarify that we don’t directly teach critical race theory to students, but mores associated ideas and elements in a broader sense. We lift it up, look under its pages, between its characters, and expose its gaps. In my classroom, the book is not placed or kept on a book pedestal. While students may enjoy moments of the book or certain characters, this isn’t a text they necessarily end up loving when it’s all over. The unit I teach asks students to dig deep into Lee’s book in a way that unveils some of our own biases and presents us with a mirror. ![]() So, I use the feelings it engenders for them and then introduce anti-racist ideas and elements of critical race theory* to help them see the racism in the text and in their own lives. It’s overall presumed to be a positive reading experience. It’s an entry point because it’s familiar, it doesn’t feel intimidating for them, and it connotes comfort and nostalgia. I use it as an entry point to engage them in critical anti-racism dialogue. I do so because I have a predominantly white group of students who have often already heard of it, some who have read it, and many whose parents have idolized it. Depending on the classroom, it may be a terrible idea to teach To Kill a Mockingbird. My job is to prepare an educational experience to meet the needs of the learner. My job is not to teach my favorite novels or the novels I read with my mother when I was young. Part of being a teacher that designs curriculum and lessons from a student-driven approach means that in addition to offering them choice, I select texts based on who is sitting in front of me. I was encouraged by how many white folks in our chat mentioned it, though, so there’s hope in progress. He is a part of the very system that let Tom die. He doesn’t use his privilege to bring about change. He doesn’t say he’s going to make structural changes so this stops happening. He doesn’t say he’s going to take on the court system. In the face of pure racism and bigotry he doesn’t see the need to publicly disrupt the legal system. He’s not willing to question the very system that has allowed Tom to end up in this racist situation.
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