Bigotry has been a serious, violent, pervasive part of some people’s lives. Bigotry is defined as having negative, and sometimes violent, feelings about a group different from yourself. Those who perpetuate this hatred can split a community apart with their actions and words. According to the Be United article “Racism and its Effects on Society”, racism leads to many negative outcomes, including, “aggression and even violence, either on a local or national scale” (Racism 3). Bigotry inspires awful intentions and actions, inspiring fear in those who are the targets of such attacks.

Additionally, a community can be hindered if people are separated: “They lack the educational and employment opportunities that would enable them to contribute to the overall economic well-being of their country” (Racism 3). A number of people are unable to lend their skills to the community, and therefore everyone involved is impacted negatively. It would take more work in order to make up for the lack of talent that some of the victims had. The attackers are, in turn, hurting themselves by attacking people only for their differences.

Finally, bigotry can push the victims to retaliate if the attackers go too far, “This too only serves to perpetuate the cycle of disadvantage” (Racism 4). The unfairness of the way that minorities are treated, for no reason at all, can lead some to go over the edge. Some people can be forced, in their mind, to fight back. This action can be followed by even more backlash and attacks, due to the fulfillment of the bigots’ goals of putting a bad name on an entire group of people for the community. However, some people, like Tom Robinson, are able to control themselves and keep their name good in the eyes of the just. However, this was not enough for most of the white community, and he is still treated unfairly like an animal.

“Racism and its Effect on Society” by Be United displays exactly how the hatred towards another group can affect the entire community’s dynamic and split it apart. Victims are often the targets of many violent and ruthless attacks, and are labeled as the attacker when they defend themselves. Finally, the community is held back by the lack of extra talent and help from all members, due to discrimination. All three of these examples can be seen in “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee through the acts of some white folk and the effects they have on the black community.