My essential question is, Why is racial bias harmful to society (societal).

Within the article, "Implicit Prejudice and its Implications for how Communities should Respond to Racial Injustices" by Harry Kainen, my essential question is analyzed.

Kainen discusses the problematic consequences of racial prejudice and how it can affect the security of a community. He goes on to explain the acts of discrimination and how people of color suffer from social bias. He states, “When there is a racially motivated injustice in a community, it is probable that many members of the community hold similar racial prejudices to those of the perpetrator” (16). This indicates that those who hear about the racial discrimination may also be discriminators themselves. So how can “equality” really be found in this?

Kainen brings for the idea that, “The problem is that people will not be willing to learn about the influence prejudice can play in everyday life without first accepting that prejudice does influence their own lives” (12). He explains the problems that come with not accepting the fact that we are prone to our own prejudices and opinions. If we can not admit we are prejudice, then there will never be a change.

Hainen’s article resonates with the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird in many ways. In the novel, written by Harper Lee, racial prejudice and bias is demonstrated within their town of Maycomb, Alabama. The narrator Scout, witnesses this racial tension but can not fully comprehend the significance due to her childish naivety. After Scout asks Atticus about the racial slur he is called, he responds and tells her that “People use it when they think somebody’s favoring Negroes over and above themselves” (Lee 124).

Scout’s father Atticus, sets a non-biased standard for his children, as well as the community. Though faced with profanity and disgust, Atticus is not afraid to defend Tom Robinson, an accused criminal. “The court appointed Atticus to defend him. Atticus aimed to defend him” (Lee 186). This reveals the nature of Atticus, and his willingness to challenge the racial bias set by the community.