In the historical world created in The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, one of Sylvan's many underlying influences is that of prejudice and bigotry. Many figures in society are not what they seem. The established church carries the message of hope to everyone, unless one is African American. Likewise, the police protect people's rights, unless those people are African American. Even a child's innocence and goodness can be tainted by society's values. In The Secret Life of Bees, the society depicted proves that racism is not only widespread, but also hides where you least expect it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an Original Essay When the word “fair” comes to mind, the associated people are usually the ones who enforce justice; after all, justice is supposed to be blind. Although the justice system has the best intentions in the novel, it appears that the system is corrupt; the main law enforcers, the police, are seen as infected by racism. This is clearly demonstrated when Rosaleen is allowed to be beaten senseless by the racists in her prison cell: "After you left, this policeman called, let these men in to apologize...two of them gave me held by the arms while the other held me by the arms. hit me” (Kidd 46). Another example occurs when Zach is arrested. Although he did nothing wrong and the real culprit could have been anyone, the police decide not to investigate everyone but to round up all the blacks and send them to prison. Even if justice must be administered objectively, there is no objectivity in this Southern society. On the contrary, prejudice against African Americans is so strong and widespread that it completely clouds the judgment of law enforcement officials. The men who are supposed to ensure the balance of the scales of justice deliberately unbalance justice. If the term justice is associated with the police, innocence is quickly associated with children; there is nothing more innocent than the unconscious nature of a growing child. This goodness, however, can be impacted, and sometimes even exceeded, by subtle and pervasive behaviors that gradually seep into the mind. Lily discovers these negative underlying factors when she first meets August: “All I was thinking about is that August is so intelligent, so cultured, and that surprised me. This is what made me know that I had prejudices buried within me” (78). Lily, who does not consider herself racist, always tries to keep an open mind towards others; she was even raised by Rosaleen, who is African American. Even with these factors, Lily still harbored prejudiced thoughts toward a group of people she had been in contact with since her mother's death. In Southern society, those believed to be free from prejudice are not; they seem that way simply because everyone else is so much worse. In this view of society, there was really no way to escape the pervasive nature of racism. The Church is considered a proper sanctuary against secular events. Everyone is equal in the eyes of God, and because God's love is open to all, the Church is the place to go for equal opportunity. However, the pervasive nature of racism transforms this message of equality into one of intolerance. Lily explains the status quo: "Every time there was a rumor about a group of black people.