We
believe that it is outrageous that there is a legitimate argument to
censor the "N-Word" out of The Adventures
of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. The "N-word"
has become daily language used in all different means. It can be used
as a synonym for "bro" or "friend;" it can be used
as a greeting, and is even used as filler instead of saying "um,"
"like," or "you know?" People need to be exposed to this
kind of language and controversial subjects, because not everything in life is
clean and clear, so being exposed to these things at a younger age will prepare
the youth of today for tougher situations tomorrow. If no one was taught how to
act when things get heated, no solutions would ever be met. Mark
Twain chose to use the "N-word" for a reason, so changing it would
create a different story. Author Jill Nelson said, "Our words create, color, layer and texture and
contextualize the stories we tell. The notion that one can change one of
those carefully chosen words... to suit their perception of contemporary morals
and eliminate the possibility of hurt sensibilities is an abdication of a
teacher’s responsibility to illuminate and guide students through an unfamiliar
and perhaps difficult text" (Nelson). This is completely true.
Changing a story's word choice is changing how a story is made and the entire context behind the story. A picture is worth a thousand words, and Huck Finn doesn't need Photoshop.
Your group makes a very good argument about the use of the N-word in Huckleberry Finn. The word does not have the same meaning it did when the book was written. It is also important for use to remember the meaning of the word at the time the book was written, to help us better understand the book and and effect the word had at the of its publication.
ReplyDeleteWhile I'm against censorship of Huckleberry Finn,the meaning of the word "nigger" has in reality not changed at all.It is a racial insult that the insulted blacks began to use out of what can only be described as an odd form of Stockholm Syndrome.
Delete