To kill a Mockingbird

Harper Lee has quite lucidly permeated into the nebulous sphere of adult psychology. When I begun reading this book, it almost seemed like an Enid Blyton, with nothing more to it than children's perception of the flowers, birds, trees and pot pourri of routine activities. This was only until Atticus Finch, the children's father chanced upon a legal case that he decided to fight in favour of a black man accused of raping a white girl.

A black man's word against that of a white... the black man didn't stand a chance even in the tumult of strong evidence in his favour. It was quite clear that the woman forced the man into an embarrasing situation, no sexual intercourse took place, the man was completely innocent. However it was not as simple as this in the minds of these children. Why did the black man lose? Why was he treated that way? Why are all blacks treated that way? These were just some of the questions that stormed through the young minds through the end of the case.

Throughout this book, i got the message that humans are most pure in intellect and spirit through childhood. Circumstances bend them, make them compromise on their individual values and adhere to the mentality of the mob. Why? Because it's less painful living that way.

Few humans carry the debris of society with their strength and integrity. But, these men are more like scapegoats. The society needs them for their survival but will also pressurize them until they break. Most do, few don't.

A simple thing like racial discrimination. Full grown adults swore by this absurd hierarchy based on skin colour and lineage. Yet, little children could not understand or even agree to this. Most children are made to conform, true. That's how we seem to be getting our never-ending dose of irrational adults. However, it makes one think children have the key to sensibility. Why? Because, their minds have not yet been corrupted by conventions and their being still holds a healthy thirst for knowledge.

I know this sounds cliched. But, in the end it boils down to awakening the child within!