"To Kill a Mockingbird" is perhaps the best film dealing with discrimination to have ever graced the big screen. As true as the movie's points were in 1962 they are still today. Racism, classism, sexism, and even ageism were all pivotal parts of this timeless book turned blockbuster. "To Kill a Mockingbird" offers its viewers insight into how to present controversial information not only to children, but also to adults, and its issues ring true today as riots, protests, sexual harassment, and age limits surround popular media.

Harper Lee used the issues of the civil rights movement, the Emmitt Till Murder, and the Scottsboro Boys trial as well as her own adventures and experiences growing up to create "To Kill a Mockingbird." The issues addressed in the film are as real today however as they were back when these instances took place. Just last week in Michigan riots broke out due to the death of a black motorcyclist who died in a police chase, and recently affirmative action has gone all the way to the supreme court. All of these instances fuel the issues of race that still exist in American Society today. Individuals on death row are having their prospectively unjust cases reopened at an alarming rate as DNA and other sciences can help to develop clearer answers to the "who done it" question. Meanwhile cases of rape, and sexual harassment continue to be large issues in our society, while the needs of the elderly are vastly overlooked concerning healthcare, and respect issues. Almost every moment of "To Kill a Mockingbird" leaves a viewer with an image of the injustice of society, but perhaps the best aspect of the film is the hope offered by Atticus Finch.

Atticus Finch uses real life experience, and his individual challenge of social norms to teach his children and the community around him about the injustice taking place in the town of Maycomb. Atticus no only leads by example, as I believe a good teacher should, but he doesn't shelter anyone from real life. As Scout and Jem want to join their father on his rides to the Robinson's house, and ask him questions about the case and about the world Atticus never fields their requests as unreasonable nor does he assume they are too young to understand. Atticus also hides nothing from the community as he not only takes on Tom Robinson's case, but he actually fights for Robinson's rights, which is something unheard of in his day. The calm, rational, and hopeful demeanor of this strong man added to his never give up attitude are attributes that transcend time. If every teacher were so patient, honest, and confident that their students would understand and seek justice our education system would be a much stronger one itself.

It seems that one of the key messages in "To Kill a Mockingbird" is that the whole world is a giant classroom in which one learns from each experience. We all are teachers and students in the world class, and each of us must take our time in learning those hard to understand lessons, and passing on those lessons which may come more easily. As a teacher in the world myself I feel that I do promote honest open relationships, in which I am patient and understanding. I work towards equality, justice, and self-actualization through the inequality, injustice and self-confusion I find in the world. I hope that I can be a teacher like Atticus and I enjoy teaching in the classroom of life.

This film is a great educational tool for teaching students about discrimination and justice. Equality is not something easily taught as there are many personal views and variations on justice in the world at large. All people, young and old alike, can benefit from the well told stories of injustice set forth in "To Kill a Mockingbird." The films also opens discussion for historical as well as current accounts of injustice, and is a good lead in for understanding the necessity for such experiences as the civil rights movement.