Messages From Single Stories

I believe that in To Kill a Mockingbird Harper Lee is trying to expose the dangers and results of having single stories of race, gender, and socioeconomic status. She shows the effects of race single stories through Tom Robinson, who loses a court battle which  he had all the proof in the world to win but still lost, just because of his race. These single stories cause himself to lose hope in himself and make him think he's no good, so he tries to run away which gets him killed. Lee shows gender single stories through Scout, were she is told by Jem that she can't do things she wants to be as a girl, or she can't be herself. Single stories about socioeconomic status were shown when Scout would say that certain kids like Walter couldn't do certain things because of what their parents or family were known for doing this. This, like the other two single stories, doesn't allow them to be themselves. Walter might be like his dad and not take what he can't take back, but he might not. Single stories might be true about a person or group, but you can't assume that it is because everyone's different.

Danger of SIngle Stories

I believe that when a single story is repeatedly made about a person or group, they can start to believe it about themselves. When the person is constantly told they are something, it eventually gets to them and can lower their self esteem. If no one else believes in them other than themselves, they might think they aren't good enough, and they might try to change themselves or prove they are, which can get them into trouble. Especially with racism, if someone choose to ignore the single stories, the people making them may try to scare them into being it or teach them a lesson for trying to be better. I learned in health class that single stories like this and girls thinking they aren't good enough often causes them to loose a lot of self esteem and try to be something they aren't. The single stories can cause both physical and mental damage for the people the story is about.

The Meaning of Single Stories

I believe that Harper Lee is trying to show that you can't judge a person on there gender, race, or there socioeconomic status because then that person can never change out of it. For people who are unlike there group or try to change for the better, they will till be viewed the same as every one else. For instance, Scout is more boy-like and is encouraged to be more boy-like by Jem, but to others she should be doing thing that a girl would to do. If a person different than what is expected from stereotypes, they won't be respected for who they are and will be expected to do what they wouldn't do. Someone like a nerdy African American might not be respected for being smart and be expected to be athletic or rowdy, which aren't him. #diferentisgood