Dear School Board,
Ever since 1884, the original publication date, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been proven to be one of the most controversial novels of all time. Although it is perhaps the masterpiece of Mark Twain's literature, he is surrounded by accusations of being a racist writer. It is commonly looked at as offensive to black readers and "politically incorrect." This novel, considered the base of all literature, shows that though two people may have different colors of skin, a friendship can survive through society's prejudice and racism because of the characters willingness to be free and truly happy. Therefore, it deserves a place on every bookshelf in schools, libraries, and homesteads across the world.
The main reason Twain has probably come under such harsh criticism is because his dialogue, at first glance, seems degrading and somewhat stereotypical to African Americans. The consistent use of "nigger" is enough to make ones body shiver. People look at Mark Twain as a racist who wants to keep alive the racial tension between whites and former African slaves. This is a huge exaggeration toward one of the most well known American classics. Twain was simply trying to expose the ignorance and disturbing views held by many "ethical" families in the 1830's, and emphasize the chilling truth about old southern roots. Those who are considering this racial propaganda are completely missing the point. Twain is showing that Huck has lived his whole life thinking that blacks are unequal and should not be treated as human beings. Through his experiences with Jim, Huck is forced to question what he has been brought up to believe is right, and learns that what he believes, in his heart, is morally right. So instead of both Huck and readers building a hatred towards Jim, Twain was instead giving us many reasons to respect him.
Over the past couple weeks, our class has been exposed to Twain's wisdom and humanity. To me, the accusation that he is a racist is bizarre. But for some people, the book clearly makes them uncomfortable and for the most obvious reason: the word "nigger" is used throughout. But since the action of this book takes place in the deep south many years before the civil war, I would be surprised if it didn't show up. The sad truth is, the Black slaves at this time were not considered American citizens, and the disparaging language in the novel proves that. People who think this book reflects racist views are only looking at the physical word, not searching for a deeper meaning. It's not only a word. It brings along with it the blood, sweat, and tears of 19th century African Americans. They were called this when whipped, when summoned, and when dead and now we realize that no soul should ever be treated this way. The word carries history. We cant pretend that this didn't happen and nobody can take the fact that it did away. It's real. When we read this classic, we aren't participating in institutionalized racism, but are only involving ourselves in an insecure part of our nations history. People have to understand that its real and it actually did happen. When people talk about replacing the "n- word," it's insulting. You can't pretend it's not real or sugar coat it with "slave" or "servant." It's like referring to Nazis as "bad people." I mean, you're reading a book that takes place 20 years before the Civil War where slaves were found everywhere you went from plantations to hanging from ropes on trees. It wouldn't fit the time or place, and it would actually sound fake if used in the text. So those who find themselves offended should remember the time in which this book was written and also the time in which the events took place. If the book was re-written to please people, it would just be a joke. The topic of slavery and racism, which people should educate themselves about, would not even find a spot in the text. This would make Jim's escape unnecessary, and change the adventurous plot to a "feel good" story. In fact, Twain actually understood that racism was wrong. But by providing us with a unique story about a boy who wants to escape from society and questions his beliefs and a strongly committed Black slave was revolutionary, yet brings along discussion.
The fact that this novel has been banned and censored since its publication is very disturbing. It is considered a masterpiece by readers and multiple authors, but is still considered controversial. Sadly, those who criticize are missing Twain's main intentions, which were to expose the wrongs of slavery, the ignorance of slaveholders, and the everyday phoniness in which they lived their lives. The treatment of Black throughout this novel is not a personal perspective, but Twain informing us of an accurate historical depiction of Southern America in the early 1800's. Those who don't accept the book are merely trying to bury the past, and hide the flaws of an early America. Instead of feeling sorrow for Jim, a figure who represents all enslaves African Americans at that time, simply read the word "nigger" and assume that the author is racist. But this is as far from the truth as you can get. The facts must be faced. Slavery did exist. Racism does exist, and anyone who finds a problem in the way Twain incorporates those into his story should look at the world in which we live, and look into what is bringing this society down. Exactly like slavery did in the 19th century. I hope that this stays on shelves so generation after generation can look back and not only enjoy the literature, but also the history it contains. Not only to see how far they've come, but society as a whole. As Huck says, "It shows how a body can see and don't see at the same time."
Sincerely,
Emily Dine
Ever since 1884, the original publication date, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has been proven to be one of the most controversial novels of all time. Although it is perhaps the masterpiece of Mark Twain's literature, he is surrounded by accusations of being a racist writer. It is commonly looked at as offensive to black readers and "politically incorrect." This novel, considered the base of all literature, shows that though two people may have different colors of skin, a friendship can survive through society's prejudice and racism because of the characters willingness to be free and truly happy. Therefore, it deserves a place on every bookshelf in schools, libraries, and homesteads across the world.
The main reason Twain has probably come under such harsh criticism is because his dialogue, at first glance, seems degrading and somewhat stereotypical to African Americans. The consistent use of "nigger" is enough to make ones body shiver. People look at Mark Twain as a racist who wants to keep alive the racial tension between whites and former African slaves. This is a huge exaggeration toward one of the most well known American classics. Twain was simply trying to expose the ignorance and disturbing views held by many "ethical" families in the 1830's, and emphasize the chilling truth about old southern roots. Those who are considering this racial propaganda are completely missing the point. Twain is showing that Huck has lived his whole life thinking that blacks are unequal and should not be treated as human beings. Through his experiences with Jim, Huck is forced to question what he has been brought up to believe is right, and learns that what he believes, in his heart, is morally right. So instead of both Huck and readers building a hatred towards Jim, Twain was instead giving us many reasons to respect him.
Over the past couple weeks, our class has been exposed to Twain's wisdom and humanity. To me, the accusation that he is a racist is bizarre. But for some people, the book clearly makes them uncomfortable and for the most obvious reason: the word "nigger" is used throughout. But since the action of this book takes place in the deep south many years before the civil war, I would be surprised if it didn't show up. The sad truth is, the Black slaves at this time were not considered American citizens, and the disparaging language in the novel proves that. People who think this book reflects racist views are only looking at the physical word, not searching for a deeper meaning. It's not only a word. It brings along with it the blood, sweat, and tears of 19th century African Americans. They were called this when whipped, when summoned, and when dead and now we realize that no soul should ever be treated this way. The word carries history. We cant pretend that this didn't happen and nobody can take the fact that it did away. It's real. When we read this classic, we aren't participating in institutionalized racism, but are only involving ourselves in an insecure part of our nations history. People have to understand that its real and it actually did happen. When people talk about replacing the "n- word," it's insulting. You can't pretend it's not real or sugar coat it with "slave" or "servant." It's like referring to Nazis as "bad people." I mean, you're reading a book that takes place 20 years before the Civil War where slaves were found everywhere you went from plantations to hanging from ropes on trees. It wouldn't fit the time or place, and it would actually sound fake if used in the text. So those who find themselves offended should remember the time in which this book was written and also the time in which the events took place. If the book was re-written to please people, it would just be a joke. The topic of slavery and racism, which people should educate themselves about, would not even find a spot in the text. This would make Jim's escape unnecessary, and change the adventurous plot to a "feel good" story. In fact, Twain actually understood that racism was wrong. But by providing us with a unique story about a boy who wants to escape from society and questions his beliefs and a strongly committed Black slave was revolutionary, yet brings along discussion.
The fact that this novel has been banned and censored since its publication is very disturbing. It is considered a masterpiece by readers and multiple authors, but is still considered controversial. Sadly, those who criticize are missing Twain's main intentions, which were to expose the wrongs of slavery, the ignorance of slaveholders, and the everyday phoniness in which they lived their lives. The treatment of Black throughout this novel is not a personal perspective, but Twain informing us of an accurate historical depiction of Southern America in the early 1800's. Those who don't accept the book are merely trying to bury the past, and hide the flaws of an early America. Instead of feeling sorrow for Jim, a figure who represents all enslaves African Americans at that time, simply read the word "nigger" and assume that the author is racist. But this is as far from the truth as you can get. The facts must be faced. Slavery did exist. Racism does exist, and anyone who finds a problem in the way Twain incorporates those into his story should look at the world in which we live, and look into what is bringing this society down. Exactly like slavery did in the 19th century. I hope that this stays on shelves so generation after generation can look back and not only enjoy the literature, but also the history it contains. Not only to see how far they've come, but society as a whole. As Huck says, "It shows how a body can see and don't see at the same time."
Sincerely,
Emily Dine