![]() Those of us fortunate enough not to have suffered the effects of our country's institutionalized racism must recognize and acknowledge how hard it is to grow up black in our society. We have much work to do to undo the institutional racism woven into our society's fabric. We now know the underlying causes to be social determinants of health and systemic racism. 4 The notion that genetic differences account for these different outcomes has been disproven. Black women are 3 times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women, the infant mortality rate among black infants is twice that for white infants, and black Americans are more likely to die from cancer and heart disease. 3 Disparities in health care outcomes are not new. For example, in the current pandemic, black Americans are disproportionately infected and die from COVID-19. ![]() In medicine, we have begun to discuss, study, and address disparities in health care outcomes. ![]() In acknowledging this simple fact, there is recognition that systemic racism has been present in our society for far too long. “The Mockingbird” is written from a white privileged perspective. Careful reading reveals Atticus to be racist, and racism, segregation, and a caste system are displayed throughout the story. While the novel has been praised for its depiction of Atticus’ moral character, further analysis reveals deep flaws. As he does so, he is shot 17 times in the back. As a result of the wrongs heaped upon him, Tom is full of despair and attempts to escape from prison. In light of current events, the book should “serve as a clarion call for racial and social justice.” 2 Most significantly and often overlooked is the fact that the falsely accused black man is found guilty and imprisoned. As previously stated, the book does not have overt medical themes nonetheless, there are lessons to be gleaned. As a result, Atticus has been held up as a role model for young lawyers. Atticus defends Tom, and at one point stands up to an angry mob looking to lynch him. Told through the eyes of Atticus’ daughter, Scout, the book introduced readers to race relations and justice in the south. Set in the 1930s, it is the story of a fictional white lawyer, Atticus Finch, who represents a falsely accused black man, Tom Robinson. Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird 1 is one of the most successful American novels in history.
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