In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus has been appointed to defend Tom Robinson. Why are the people against this?

Atticus is respected throughout the entire community of Maycomb. The citizens of Maycomb recognize that Atticus is a genuine individual who is very bright, which is why they elect him to represent their county in the Alabama legislature. Atticus is one of the few outstanding citizens in Maycomb who embodies Christian principles and defines integrity. Whatever task Atticus engages in, he gives his best effort. The citizens of Maycomb harbor prejudiced feelings against African Americans...

Atticus is respected throughout the entire community of Maycomb. The citizens of Maycomb recognize that Atticus is a genuine individual who is very bright, which is why they elect him to represent their county in the Alabama legislature. Atticus is one of the few outstanding citizens in Maycomb who embodies Christian principles and defines integrity. Whatever task Atticus engages in, he gives his best effort. The citizens of Maycomb harbor prejudiced feelings against African Americans and would like to see Tom Robinson convicted unanimously. Having one of their most respected citizens defending an African American is extremely controversial. Atticus is not only challenging Maycomb's backward disposition towards African Americans, but he is also threatening their traditional way of life. The citizens of Maycomb also realize that Atticus has the potential to win the case. A victory for Tom Robinson would shift the social climate of the county and has the possibility to drastically change race relations throughout the state. Atticus is essentially a threat to Maycomb's racist white population. By defending Tom Robinson against the Ewells, Maycomb's most despicable family, the citizens are forced to side with the most shameful individuals in the county. They are well aware that the Ewells will lie, and realize that Atticus is intelligent enough to expose the truth during the case. The majority of citizens are forced to support the Ewells and risk the chance of Atticus exposing their own hypocritical, prejudiced views.