Many parents and educators do not agree with that and say that the book "contains profanity and racial slurs" such as "nigger". However, as evidence proves, in no way does the book condone the usage of the word (www.alibris.com). In fact, Scout, the young girl who narrates the book, comes to her father, Atticus, and uses the "n" word in asking if he is going to defend the accused black man, Tom Robinson. Atticus tells her it is wrong for her to use that word, and then enlightens her with the even deeper issue of why he is willing to risk the disapproval of their white neighborhood to do the right thing and represent Robinson.
"To Kill a Mockingbird" is beneficial to a student's education because it teaches them a valuable lesson about how intolerance can destroy people's lives. Parents that do not want their children to read about racism are just sheltering them and when the children enter the real world, they will be shocked and naive. Racism still occurs today and is an issue that should be addressed in the school system. Books are extremely influential in shaping the minds of readers and "To Kill a Mockingbird" is a real account of how racism is a destructive force in society. The American Library Association's Judith Krug strongly disagrees with the banning of books like "To Kill a Mockingbird" because, "They've stood the test of time. That's why they're classics. To say to young people, even to older people, that you can't read these materials (is) a travesty because they're missing out on some of the finest literature written in the U.S" (Foxnews.com).
Many believe that children should definitely not be exposed to offensive language in books, because if these foul words are in books, how can you expect them not to repeat the words in everyday life. This poses a valid argument, but we also must realize that children sometimes need to experience books and other educational materials, even if they contain sometimes unpleasant, subject matters.
