"Prejudices, it is known, are very difficult to eradicate from the heart whose soil has never been loosened or fertilized by education; they grow there, as firm as weeds among the stones."-- Charlotte BrontëThe South, as it was in the 1930s, America was much more than just Southern belles and gentlemen. The days passed to the subdued rhythm of the tired old men who took their afternoon walks on the hot pavement. However, every now and then, such a powerful force would provoke the fury of a sedated southern city. Since the dawn of America, division, prejudice and hatred have been a source of insurmountable conflict. Maycomb County serves as an important backdrop for the central issues plaguing the American South in the early 20th century: sexism, racism, and class conflict. Before the feminist movement of the 1960s, women had to follow strict gender roles. Scout is a great example of a little girl who struggles to fit into these roles that are assigned to her not only by males in society, but also by women. The moment Aunt Alexandra enters Maycomb, she takes it upon herself to mold the young Scouts and Jem into their social roles. Scout in particular experiences a lot of criticism and pressure from her aunt to be the stereotypical girl; "We decided it would be best for you to have some feminine influence. It won't be many years, Jean Louise, before you become interested in dresses and boys—."(Lee, 127) Aunt Alexandra's comment to Scout reflects the values municipalities of Maycomb County and of that era. Jem, as he begins to grow up, also wishes Scout would "start being a girl" (115). Miss Stephanie also informs her that she won't become a lady until she wears no more dresses. This also highlights the importance of becoming a "lady". Being a Southern lady obviously means much more than simply being a woman; you have to look and play the part according to the people of that time. Even Atticus, a man who advocates for equality, makes sexist comments: "I guess it's to protect our frail women from sordid cases like Tom's." (221)Atticus's remarks demonstrate that sexism and gender roles are a norm in society, and their offensive nature is not widely regarded. It's not just men who place women in their roles; it is the women themselves who are responsible for enforcing these rules. Racism is an issue that has long been addressed in society, but it is evident that women in society have only just begun to break free from the long-standing values ​​that have oppressed them in the past.