Journal+Entry+number+3

I really dislike this idea because it is all about racism. The way the children speak is just shocking. If kids these days used the terms so freely as Jem and Scout do, it would be horrible and offensive. Racism is a really big part of this book, and it is hard/painful for me to read sometimes. Atticus was being verbaly attacked because he was defending an African American. The parts like those were just painful to read. The character Jem reminds me of my great-grandfather, because he is from the south. Jem's mannerisms remind me of my grandfather. Sometimes when I am reading, I can picture my grandfather saying some things that Jem said. Jem has an old soul and is a very mature boy for his age. I imagine my grandfather acting like this when he was young. The setting is extreamly important beacause of the southern talk and the racism. If this was taking place in the north, I do not think it would have been such a big deal about a white lawyer defending a black man. Also, the people in the book have a strong southern accent, almost another language. That would not be the same. In some ways that the children speak, they sound more mature. If it was in a different setting, they would not have spoken that way about the black churches and the hatred toward blacks. I really admire Scout because she has such a free spirit. When she wants to say something she will. If she doesnt like someone, she will let them no. I sometimes wish I was confident like Scout. In other ways though, she is very caring. She cares deeply about Atticus and Jem. She has a very good personality. Sometimes when I am reading, I will just crack up about the things she says. I really admire her personality, her free spirt, and her strong opion and beliefs.