Racial Injustice Across Generations: To Kill a Mockingbird and The Hate U Give

Racial injustice remains a powerful and urgent theme in American literature, capturing both historical and contemporary struggles against systemic racism. Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird and Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give depict different eras but share striking parallels in how their characters confront racism and the challenges of social change.

Depictions of Racial Injustice

To Kill a Mockingbird is set in the 1930s Deep South, where racial segregation and prejudice are entrenched in every aspect of life. The novel exposes the racial injustice of the legal system through Tom Robinson’s trial, illustrating how black individuals face overwhelming bias and discrimination.

The Hate U Give takes place in the present day, reflecting ongoing racial tensions, police violence, and systemic inequality. Starr Carter witnesses the fatal shooting of her friend Khalil by a police officer, igniting her activism and struggle for justice in a world still grappling with racial prejudice.

Characters’ Confrontations with Racism

In both novels, young protagonists navigate complex racial landscapes:

  • Scout Finch learns about injustice through her father Atticus’s courageous defense of Tom Robinson. Her journey involves recognizing societal prejudice and developing empathy.

  • Starr Carter moves from a divided existence between her predominantly black neighborhood and her mostly white private school to becoming a vocal advocate for racial justice, grappling with fear, identity, and courage.

Social Change: Progress and Persistence

Between the 1930s and today, significant legal and social advances have occurred. However, The Hate U Give highlights how many systemic problems persist—police brutality, racial profiling, and unequal treatment in the justice system remain critical issues.

Both novels emphasize the need for awareness, empathy, and activism in combating racism. While progress has been made since To Kill a Mockingbird’s setting, The Hate U Give reminds readers that the fight for racial equality continues.

Conclusion

To Kill a Mockingbird and The Hate U Give powerfully portray racial injustice across generations. Through Scout’s innocence and Starr’s activism, these stories illuminate the enduring impact of racism and the importance of confronting it head-on. Their messages inspire reflection on how far society has come—and how far it still must go.