If I understand your post, you are wondering why Tom
Robinson is a target of racism in To Kill a Mockingbird. First,
racism was a fact of life in the 1930s Deep South, and Alabama was no exception. Many
white people considered African-Americans as second-class citizens, and they were
treated as such. Segregation--in schools, churches, neighborhoods and virtually all
public places--was firmly established. As for Tom, he was particularly despised because
of the charge against him: the rape and beating of a white woman. The "N" word is used
often to describe Tom: More than once, Atticus is called a "nigger-lover" for his
decision to defend Tom. The prosecuting attorney, Harry Gilmer, repeatedly calls Tom
"boy" while he is cross-examining him. Perhaps the most memorable racist quote
concerning Tom comes from Bob Ewell when he testifies that
he
"... seen that black nigger yonder ruttin' on my
Mayella!"
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