What is a quote that describes the inequality within Maycomb's society that could be used to describe the cultural setting of To Kill a Mockingbird?

There are several scenes throughout the novel that describe Maycomb's inequality and prejudiced views towards African Americans. In Atticus's closing remarks at the Tom Robinson trial, he addresses the prejudiced jury's preconceived beliefs that Tom Robinson is already guilty simply because he is a black man. Atticus says,

"The witnesses for the state, with the exception of the sheriff of Maycomb County, have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence...

There are several scenes throughout the novel that describe Maycomb's inequality and prejudiced views towards African Americans. In Atticus's closing remarks at the Tom Robinson trial, he addresses the prejudiced jury's preconceived beliefs that Tom Robinson is already guilty simply because he is a black man. Atticus says,

"The witnesses for the state, with the exception of the sheriff of Maycomb County, have presented themselves to you gentlemen, to this court, in the cynical confidence that their testimony would not be doubted, confident that you gentlemen would go along with them on the assumption — the evil assumption — that all Negroes lie, that all Negroes are basically immoral beings, that all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber" (Lee 125).

The "evil assumption" refers to the racist ideology held by the majority of white citizens in Maycomb towards African Americans in their community. In Maycomb, white people automatically assume the worst about African Americans and believe they are all immoral individuals. In regards to inequality, African Americans are not trusted and in a court of law where every citizen is considered equal, their testimonies are dismissed simply because of the color of their skin. African Americans are not given equal treatment in their community or the court of law. They are viewed with contempt, and their individual merit is not taken into consideration by the racist citizens of Maycomb. The cultural setting of the novel takes place in 1930s Alabama, a time when Jim Crow laws segregated and discriminated against African Americans. Atticus urges the jury to look past their prejudiced beliefs and judge the case exclusively on the evidence and testimonies provided. Unfortunately, the racist jury wrongly convicts Tom Robinson, and Tom becomes yet another victim of racial injustice.