Comments on: Writers Against Racism: TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

By: Amy Bowllan

Amy Bowllan — Thu, 20 Jan 2011 00:03:09 +0000

I LOVE your comment, CkB! And, I wish you had been my teacher in high school. You must read this article
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/opinion/16moore.html
I will be posting my feedback. It’s funny, as a kid, I knew something was wrong, with the way I felt when I read these novels. I actually still feel guilty that I do not like them.

By: CkB

CkB — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 21:54:42 +0000

Hi…I have never replied to a Blog so I am hestitate to leave my comments. I have taught TKAM for over 20 years in my classes, but NEVER have I ever considered, even on my most liberal days, to teach TKAM to 7th and 8th graders! I teach this book at the sophomore and junior level for the very fact I live in a conservative community. I, as a teacher, feel our classroom discussion, which deal with tolerance, the “n” word, the limitations of civil rights in the 30′s, the Scotsboro Trials, etc, is not appropriate for a junior high audience. Personally, I think it is professional irresponsiblility to tackle this book in the junior high arena. That being said, some teachers are told what to teach and when…and I can select my books and do so very carefully. There are several themes and situations in this novel that I am uncomfortable with presenting to my upper level classes, but the conversation and I believe the need for tolerance is well worth my sweaty palms. I have yet to teach the perfect novel…There are many positives that come out of my classroom discussions and I hope that those that find discomfort will find the positive in the ultimate message this book has to offer.

By: c

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:17:46 +0000

By: margaret

margaret — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:43:59 +0000

Hi Amy. Wow, I’m sorry to hear that this book was so difficult for you, although I do understand why, I think. It is one of my favorite books! And one of my fav movies, too. Although the image of Atticus as “great white father” has always bothered me. I’d love to talk more about this with you…

By: Amy Bowllan

Amy Bowllan — Sun, 04 Apr 2010 11:41:06 +0000

B, I just finished reading TKaM for the second time and have so many thoughts that I will be blogging about – if you’ll bear with me. I am reading the reviews from that time, and realize that the stereotypes and language used was of the time. The relevancy today has to be taught in a way that is NOT traditional. Thank you for reading and helping me to fish through this deplorable part of our history.

By: B Herrera

B Herrera — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:33:57 +0000

As an English teacher, I agree that To Kill a Mockingbird is not an easy story. My son’s eighth grade class read it, but they never made it all the way through. By exposing it to them at that age, the image they get of it is much like yours – too hard, too offensive, too much to handle. This is a book I defiinitly recommend for mature readers, on an individual basis. Although the story is important, it is definitely not light reading. I see it as a book to be used as a springboard to conversation and as a glimpse into some people of that time. It is never easy to go against “the group” at any time, but tragedies occur when we don’t fight wrong. Peer pressure and mob mentality always make us want to go along with the crowd. Only the few brave souls stand up to that crowd. That’s why it is so important that we create peer pressure which emphasizes hope instead of hate.