Why do the people of Maycomb resent Atticus for defending Tom Robinson?

Bigotry and ignorance run deep in the South. A white girl being raped by a black man is unforgivable, even if a useless drunk and liar charge the act. Mayella is merely the victim and Bob Ewell is behind the fabrication of events. The town would rather believe the fabrication of a white man held in low esteem over the word of an innocent black man.