The themes of racism and innocence are explicit in Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird. There are many examples of discrimination in history where a person's innocence is lost. Arthur Radley is isolated in his own home because of the spread of false rumors. Racism causes Tom Robinson, a black man, to lose his life, even though he is innocent. Those who support black people are judged, like Atticus, Jem and Scout. How does discrimination affect those who are innocent? In the novel, a mockingbird represents innocence; it represents Atticus, Tom Robinson and Arthur Radley. These characters are always criticized because of some form of discrimination, whether it be rumors, skin color or character, even if they are innocent. Through the characters of Atticus, Tom Robinson, and Arthur Radley, Harper Lee demonstrates that discrimination destroys those who are innocent, leading to judgment of character, loss of life, and isolation. Those who stand up for what is right are always judged, which has a negative effect on their lives. People always encourage others to stand up for what they believe in, but when someone takes a stand, they are judged. Individuals are often insulted and judged even if they are innocent, just like Atticus. Mrs. Dubose is Atticus, Jem and Scout's neighbor, who is very ill and always insults Atticus, who supports Tom Robinson in the trial. Mrs. Dubose insults Atticus by telling Jem and Scout, “Your father is no better than the niggers and trash he works for” (Lee 135). Atticus defends Tom Robinson because he knows that Tom is not guilty, he is innocent. However, because of this, many people call Atticus harsh things like "the nigger lover", even though he is only in the middle of the paper...the color can be innocent. Because Atticus's support of Tom Robinson, Atticus is always castigated, not only is Atticus judged, but Jem and Scout are also chastised. Arthur Radley, a great, righteous human being who is also on trial because of the false rumors that have spread like a disease, around the town of Maycomb. The rumors lead to a grisly consequence of Arthur being quarantined at home. Atticus, Tom Robinson, and Arthur Radley are the ones who are judged even when they are innocent, innocent mockers. Miss Maudies tells Jem and Scout, "The Mockingbirds don't do anything but make music for us to enjoy." They don't devour people's gardens, they don't nest in corn cages, they don't do anything but sing their hearts out to us. This is why it is a sin to kill a mockingbird, (119). » Works Cited Lee, Harper. To kill a mockingbird. New York: Grand Central, 1960. Print.