The Lesson from "To Kill a Mockingbird"

Ok, I'm sure that if you've read this book, you might have your own opinions about the lesson in the story, but I think the lesson is that you shouldn't do something that is wrong just because it's popular. In the book, Atticus Finch must defend a black man named Tom Robinson acused of rape in 1930s Alabama. This is a tough job because the South at this time is still a racist society and is still even angry about it's defeat in the War Between the States. Many lawyers in this time wouldn't think of even trying to defend a black man in court. But Atticus doesn't believe in this and does everything he can to prove Tom is innocent. Even though many people don't believe in his views, Atticus knows it's the right thing to do and doesn't care what people say or think. To me, everyone should know and learn this lesson, that it's not always alright to "follow the crowd".