What I thought of "The Courthouse Ring"

This critical analysis of To Kill A Mockingbird was very well written, but I didn't always agree with what the author, Malcolm, Gladwell, was saying. He had a very strong opinion that he consistantly backed up with evidence and specific examples, but he didn't always have an open perspective. 

That is one thing that is incredibly important in writing to me. If someone can't keep an open mind, or in other words, "a mind that does not stick" the writing becomes far too one-sided, and the writing looses both credibility and meaning. Although "The Courthouse Ring" did include some facts about the good things Atticus Finch and Jim Folsom did, Gladwell focused mainly on the negative effects of both figures. For example, Gladwell mentions how Atticus "enourages them to swap one of their prejudices for another". Gladwell's article is based on the negative aspects of Folsom and Atticus, while it should be focusing on not only the negative, but also the positive. 

Even though it is a critical review, having a balanced view when you are writing, especially when it is opinionated is vital. I like to write looking at both sides of the story, and comparing them. Most likely one will be more convincing or worthwhile than the other, but just opening up your mind to all of the possibilities is intriguing. It makes it more interesting for me, and hopefully also the reader. Some writers may prefer focusing on one idea, but I generally like to look at the big picture, and then also at details. 

In a way I think in the way Atticus does this to a certain extent, but in a different context. Atticus looks at the big picture of things, and tries to understand how people are feeling and why. He then pieces all those details together like a puzzle, trying to make sense of situations and people. What he lacks sometimes is to look at more than just Maycomb. There's an entire world that you are missing out on if you focus to much on one small place, person, or point in time. Atticus has the right ideas, he just needs to increase his perspective on some aspects of life.