I had a chance to see ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ at a local cinema last month. I know the story, having read the book, and I’ve seen the movie on television, but viewing a film on a large screen leaves an outsized impression.
The child actors gave marvelous performances. We see the story unfold through the eyes of children, a viewpoint that makes the attitudes and behavior of adults seem particularly gruff and puzzling.
The story is bitterly tragic. It doesn’t shy from depicting gross inequities and despicable attitudes. It must have made a powerful impact when it was released at the height of the civil rights movement.
A haunting conclusion is that a system of justice is only as just as the people who administer and participate in it. Despite high ideals and heroic acts, some people are systematically oppressed while others get away with grotesque behavior. This remains as true today as it was during the Great Depression.
When elusive justice is finally served, it comes in unexpected ways. The tide finally turns against those who once got away with everything.
Finally, never discount the good will of neighbors, even those who seem strange and distant. We’re all in this together. In the darkest moments, people you never knew you could count on will rise to meet the challenge.
© 2024 Daniel R. South - All Rights Reserved
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