The New York Times article I chose was David Matthew's who says that “nigger” should not be taken out of the book because “It's part of the bloodied soil of America, yet another legacy of slavery still with us a hundred-plus years after the fact” ( Matthews paragraph 7). This shows that this book tells about the history of the African Americans and that it should be allowed in school because it shows how things were back then for African Americans. Matthews says that “Huck Finn is an historical document”( Matthews paragraph 3) and I guess I do agree with David. Huckleberry finn should be in schools because it teachs us about American history. I believe that this book is meant for higher class men and that its not meant for grade school. One of the reasons why is because they are too young to understand it and its meaning. One example is when Huckleberry says "Well, he was right; he was most always right; he had an uncommon level head for nigger"(Twain Chapter 14). The reason why high school kids would understand this because they know that what huck is saying is that Jim had has days for being smart for a "nigger" and grade school kids would not understand because once they hear the word "nigger," they freak out and think that Huckleberry is more likely to hate african American.
Censorship
Reyes' Page : This is Historical Document
The New York Times article I chose was David Matthew's who says that “nigger” should not be taken out of the book because “It's part of the bloodied soil of America, yet another legacy of slavery still with us a hundred-plus years after the fact” ( Matthews paragraph 7). This shows that this book tells about the history of the African Americans and that it should be allowed in school because it shows how things were back then for African Americans. Matthews says that “Huck Finn is an historical document”( Matthews paragraph 3) and I guess I do agree with David. Huckleberry finn should be in schools because it teachs us about American history. I believe that this book is meant for higher class men and that its not meant for grade school. One of the reasons why is because they are too young to understand it and its meaning. One example is when Huckleberry says "Well, he was right; he was most always right; he had an uncommon level head for nigger"(Twain Chapter 14). The reason why high school kids would understand this because they know that what huck is saying is that Jim had has days for being smart for a "nigger" and grade school kids would not understand because once they hear the word "nigger," they freak out and think that Huckleberry is more likely to hate african American.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
I agree with all of the points that were made in this article review. I also agree with the opinion that this book should not be read by younger kids because of the offensive language, certain situations, and the fact that they will most likely not understand the deeper meaning in the book. This book should be read by teenagers or adults that are capable of determining the hidden message.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree with you Matt. I believe the language is a bit to grown up for young ears, and i also believe the word "nigger" has to be explained in great detail, and little kids just simply wouldn't understand it.
DeleteWhile I agree that the book is too mature for a lot of kids, I believe that also for some, reading it in their Junior year of high school is too late. Most kids have already come up with their own meaning for the word "nigger" whether it be positive or negative, I think they are going to hold that meaning throughout reading the book. And I don't think that a book is going to change the meaning they have held for years. So while I think that very young kids shouldn't read it, I think that about 6th grade, kids have reached a certain level of maturity to where they can understand the book in most of it's meaning. And then if a teacher would like to teach it again later down the road, that would just help the meaning of the book more.
Deleteyou make a good point reyes, this book is for of a more mature audience. this should be read at a higher grade level so people will understand it. little kids will see it and think that the goal is to be racists and thats not the point. sadly enough some adults think the same as little kids and try to get the word removed, which we shouldn't because it has great historical significance. it showed exactly how it was back then, no one said the word "Slave".
ReplyDeleteI agree with your thought process from a grade schoolers perspective. Also what did you do when you were little and heard a word you didn't know or understand. You used the heck out of it and asked everyone you knew what it meant, until you finally go the answer you were looking for.
ReplyDeleteI agree also. You are right about how it should not be read in grade schools. younger students may take the books meaning the wrong way and may not interpret it correctly.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Reyes that a grade schoolers perspective of Huck Finn will definitely be different than a high schoolers perspective or even an adults perspective. I can see taking out the word "nigger" and changing with "slave" for the grade schoolers, but as for the others, they should have the original copy of the book. As a high schooler or even as an adult they should be able to understand the use of the word "nigger" instead of the use of "slave".
ReplyDeleteReyes, I agree with your opinion on the use and meaning of the word "nigger" completely. I think it is an important and essential part of American history and how it shaped and formed the novel, Huckleberry Finn. I think it is interesting how you pointed out how the common people with little critical skills may not completely grab the use of the word "nigger" in the novel and maybe be pushed away from reading the book because of it. All in all, i agree with your statement. It was very well written and for the most part I agree.
ReplyDelete