We first saw him in 1962. Still today, he is one of the most steadfastly honest and moral characters that ever hit the screen. His character remains unchanged as an upstanding citizen who is respected and admired by his peers. He is a man of impeccable moral guidance, teaching his children and holding them responsible for their decisions and actions. In one important lesson that foreshadowed the movie, he taught them about courage and strength by telling them, "I wanted you to see what real courage is...it's when you know you're licked before you begin but you begin anyway and you see it through, no matter what.". He sees the good in everyone and is committed to making his children feel the same way he does. No one questions his intentions or motivations. Is there not even one man who would desire to be like this?
In 2003, the American Film Institute celebrated 100 years of movie-making by voting him the #1 movie hero of all time. That's right - #1. Not Indiana Jones, not Rambo or James Bond. Instead, they picked a middle-aged lawyer from the tired old town of Maycomb, Alabama. Alas, Hollywood gets it right. The movie is of course "To Kill A Mockingbird". The man is Mr. Atticus Finch. It makes you wonder why we don't see more characters like Atticus in movies today. Especially now, when the world so desperately needs more men like him.
Atticus is fictional, but we've all seen his kind exist. Author Harper Lee created Atticus after her own father. God created each one of us in his own likeness and image - to have a strong moral compass with a sense of justice, conviction, wisdom and empathy.....to be leaders of our family like Atticus. Sometimes my family sees Atticus, and sometimes I keep him hidden like Boo Radley. The mind is willing but the flesh is weak. There's always time to get it right. I don't need Hollywood to show me, but it sure is nice to see. So here's to Atticus Finch. May he be in all of us.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b05CMl4hwcc
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