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'Only the strong can cope with difference' Discussed by Emily Uzzell Difference, whether it is racial, sexual, or economic is an issue with which everyone must cope, one way or another. Society as a majority constantly discriminates, and this theory, "Only the strong can cope with difference', suggests that only those who are considered 'strong' will reject this attitude of discrimination. First of all, any theory, which classifies people as either weak or strong, is problematic, as such a simplification of something as complex as the human condition is easily challenged on its own. Consequently, the concept that solely people who are 'strong' have the ability to fight intolerance is flawed. There are so many valid, though conflicting viewpoints on this theory it is difficult to produce a clear-cut conclusion. In reality, we are all essentially discriminatory, if not in one way, then another. So is it merely a person's strength that causes them to retaliate against this bigotry, both within themselves and in society? Though, whether they are strong or weak, is it not a person's individual circumstances and consequent values that decide how they respond to the majorities prejudice? Both these concepts are explored in three texts, "Mississippi Burning"a film directed by Alan Parker, "To kill a Mockingbird", a novel written by Harper Lee and "I Have a Dream", an address by Martin Luther King. In the novel, "To kill a Mockingbird", Scout Finch, a young girl growing up in a prejudiced, 1940s America said; "Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the moment Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed." Although her community was one of racist and ignorant people, Scout was taught by her father to be unprejudiced in her attitude to racial difference. Like most children, she was for some time oblivious to all beliefs outside of those expressed in her home environment, and the realisation above was a significant moment in her life. The communities attitude to black people was a testament to the belief that to cope with difference, people must accept faults within themselves, however difficult this proves to be. So before they are able to reject prejudice within society, people must reject prejudice within themselves. The amount of personal strength necessary to reject this prejudice is also evident in the immense lack of rebellion against decades of racism, sexism, and almost every possible kind of discrimination in all aspects of our society. Deep down, most people are suspicious and intolerant of those who go against the grain. Mans desire for conformity is greatly responsible for its inability to feel compassion for those who look or act differently, whom they usually associate with illegal or immoral activity. It takes strength of character and a willingness to make great sacrifices in order to actively campaign against the majority. This strength is conveyed in 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by central character, Atticus Finch, the father of Scout Finch. The novel is centred on family and morals, but also the story of a black man accused of a crime he did not commit. Atticus believes this man is innocent, and so takes on the case, despite all warnings to the contrary.
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