Recently in AS, we picked up another discussion about the controversy on Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and how it was banned in our school in the 1970's. Even today, it is not allowed to be taught outside of our class room. The reasons listed for banning the book were that the content was inappropriate, hurtful to African American students, and irrelevant. However, these motives are not even fully valid. The content, read superficially, could offend blacks, but if read in depth, students would see that there is a satire placed on racist whites. Also, the book's historical setting is completely relevant to racism even today, and it will be relevant until racism is eliminated. The "N" word is written a total of 216 times in the book, but it would be wrong to shelter young adults from the meaning and former use of the word. All of these arguments are even more reason why the book needs to be read and analyzed in a class room. In fact, students could misinterpret the message of the book if not read carefully. It is important to discuss the "N" word and racism inside a classroom so every student develops a correct understanding. So, if you have to ban anything, why not ban the books outside of all class rooms?
Sunday, February 13, 2011
More Huck Finn Controversy
Recently in AS, we picked up another discussion about the controversy on Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and how it was banned in our school in the 1970's. Even today, it is not allowed to be taught outside of our class room. The reasons listed for banning the book were that the content was inappropriate, hurtful to African American students, and irrelevant. However, these motives are not even fully valid. The content, read superficially, could offend blacks, but if read in depth, students would see that there is a satire placed on racist whites. Also, the book's historical setting is completely relevant to racism even today, and it will be relevant until racism is eliminated. The "N" word is written a total of 216 times in the book, but it would be wrong to shelter young adults from the meaning and former use of the word. All of these arguments are even more reason why the book needs to be read and analyzed in a class room. In fact, students could misinterpret the message of the book if not read carefully. It is important to discuss the "N" word and racism inside a classroom so every student develops a correct understanding. So, if you have to ban anything, why not ban the books outside of all class rooms?
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