Discussion On Whether Huck Finn Should Be Banned

Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn can be a contentious topic for today’s education system. The book has been scrutinized for its vulgar language, rebellious attitude towards religion and the portal of south. Since years, it has been banned in many public libraries. It was also removed from the curriculums of many schools. Yet many people still think it should be used and taught. It contains a description of history that is worth discussing and teaching in schools today.

Huck’s use of the word “nigger”, directed at African Americans, has been a source of controversy since its publication in 1883. The N-word appears in the book over 200 different times. The word “Nigger”, which is considered a foul term, can be used to describe a time when a group of people was treated unfairly and oppressed. Mark Twain made use of it to accentuate themes like racism and sexism. But in today’s world, the word has no place when used in such a way as in Huck. In 1880, this was the norm in society. The word had less power than it has today. Huck Fin’s overuse of racial terms has been criticized for destroying the true essence of the book and introducing the term to today’s young people. If Twain banned Huck Finn because of racist remarks, should the same be done for books that deal with topics such as the Mexican War and Civil War era? If that were the case, American history would be completely erased from school curriculums.

“This was a gray-headed old nabob from Ohio. He had a gold cane and watch, as well as a chain. What do YOU think? They claimed he taught at a school, could speak in all languages, and knew everything. That’s not the worst. They told him he could vote from home. So, I’m out. What is this country going to be like? When I learned that they would allow the nigger to cast his vote in a certain state, I immediately drew out. I says I’ll never vote agin”. It would be impossible to understand paps hatred of an African American who, ironically, is better than pap if he didn’t use “nigger”. The reader could think pap was venting out because the African American is different.

Huck Finch could offend African Americans for some, because of its use of racial epithets. It can also bring back depressing memories about the days when blacks had been enslaved, and were treated inhumanely. You could see it as encouraging people to break social rules and steal from others.