Character of Atticus/African-American FathersTheme Essay
...childhood years. There is evidence that broken homes hinder education achievement, and that boys, in particular, experience greater academic difficulties than those in families with both parents present. Not only are poverty, broken homes, and education failure major issues, yet it is clear that crime rates among U.S. blacks have increased. Black children from single-parent homes are “twice as likely to commit crimes”(Bradley) as are those from families with resident fathers. Furthermore, statistics show that African-Americans are more likely affected with HIV infection. The HIV/AIDS epidemic affects both black men and women, and African-Americans were accounted for “over 50% of the AIDS cases diagnosed in the U.S.”(HIV/AIDS) in 2002. These hardships cause black fathers to leave their homes because they can’t support the family, and are given the impression that they’re irresponsible and neglect their children. As a parent and a citizen, Atticus is a man full of moral integrity and compassion. He is highly respected in Maycomb, and is a responsible person. He absolutely disagrees with segregating and discriminating against blacks, and strongly believes in treating everyone equally. After accepting Tom Robinson’s case, Atticus tells Scout, his daughter, that he’s “simply defending a Negro”(75), and tells her “[not to] say nigger”(75). He shows respect and courtesy towards everyone, no matter what race they are. He wants his children to learn to speak in a proper manner and to not despise others for their differences. Although he is a single parent, he has never faltered in raising and disciplining his children. As well, Atticus is an honest man who speaks what’s on his mind. He is “the same in his house as he is on the public streets”(46), showing that he is genuine, and doesn’t put on an act in front of people. Although he knows that he is fighting a hopeless battle, Atticus feels that he needs to defend Tom Robinson, for it is the right and moral thing to do. He believes that simply because he was “licked a hundred years before [he] started is no reason for [him] not to try to win”(77). Others call him “nigger-lover”(83), yet he does not care because he stands up for what he thinks is right. Atticus doesn’t share the racial prejudice of his town, and hopes that his children do not grow up that way. He doesn’t want them to prejudge, but learn to put themselves in others’ shoes first and try to understand their situations. He sets an amazing example to Maycomb County and his children, for he is someone who is fair, tolerant, and considerate. Atticus is a decent man with strong morals and virtues, and hopes that his children will develop the same type of attitude. In comparison with a typical black father, Atticus seems to be a good role model who is the exact opposite. Yet he is a white man, and therefore living life is much easier for him. Atticus is a lawyer and is paid reasonably. African-American fathers have difficulties finding jobs, and have very little income. Being able to maintain an occupation, Atticus is able to support his family and let his children eat sufficient meals. Although his wife has died, he doesn’t seem to be interested in other women, and just strives to take care of his children to the best of his ability. However, black fathers seem to be irresponsible men who sleep with other women and leaving them to raise a child by themselves. Not only does this cause unmarried families living in poverty, it also spreads HIV a...