Adventures Of Huck Finn Banning From School Essay, Research Paper

My essay deals with banning the novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from high

school reading lists, and why this behavior is inappropriate. Specifically, it

addresses the following question: Columnist James J. Kilpatrick wrote that Huck

Finn is "a fun book for white boys to read? For black children, I have

come to realize, it is a brutal slap in the face." He condemns the book

because of its use of the word "nigger." Many school districts have

banned this book for the same reason. What are your views on this subject? Since

the Civil War, racism has been a very delicate issue with the American public.

Whereas some people have tried to transgress this issue, pretending that race no

longer plays a significant role in our country, other people still believe that

there are serious racial dilemmas in the United States. I am one these people.

However, unlike some, I do not believe this problem can be solved by avoiding or

sugarcoating the issue of race, as James L. Kilpatrick and several schools

appear to be doing. In the novel Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain

presents an adventure story filled with deeper meanings and controversial

topics, two in particular being slavery and racism. Despite the usage of the

word "nigger" and the stereotypical portrayal of African Americans, I

do not think schools have any justification in banning this book from reading

lists. Mark Twain wrote Huck Finn during the Reconstruction period in the south,

at a time when most Americans wanted to forget all about the institution of

slavery and its consequences. However, Twain set the time period of this novel

prior to the Civil War when slavery was at its peak. Thus, the racist views he

included in the book mirrored the attitudes of most southerners during this

time. Those that say that Huck Finn is inappropriate to be read in schools are

in effect saying that a portion of United States history should not be taught in

the classroom. Although slavery was one of the most horrific periods in our

countries history, to make sure nothing of its caliber ever occurs again, we

must make sure every high school student is aware of the ramifications of such

practices. By banning an important work in U.S. history, these schools are

ignoring the racial sentiments of this time period simply because the language

in Huck Finn may not be appropriate. In addition, reading this novel hopefully

invokes in people a sense of shame for the mistakes of our ancestors. Though the

novel?s language may offend some, it is Africans Americans and Caucasians

alike who are offended. Nobody likes to look at the word "nigger" nor

hear it used, however, we must accept that this word was at one time considered

appropriate language. Reading the novel, I was repulsed by this word and my

stomach churned as I read about the ignorance and hate stored within the hearts

of characters. However, I enjoyed reading this novel and gained a new

perspective of life prior to the Civil War. I think that when schools ban the

novel Huck Finn from their curriculum that they are in effect failing their

students. Huck Finn is an excellent piece of literature, rich with history,

description, and unique perspectives. By not allowing this book to be read in

schools is like shutting students out from a valuable learning experience. Yes,

they can still read the novel in their spare time, but they are not afforded the

privilege to discuss this book openly in class or gain new perspectives into its

meaning. In addition, when African Americans refuse to read this novel they are

depriving themselves of a experiencing a brilliant piece of literature. I think

that until you try something, you can?t attack it, or else you are showing

your ignorance and stubborn nature. Twain did not write this novel to belittle

the African American race or to promote the institution of slavery. Twain wrote

this novel to depict life in the South prior to the Civil War. Along with this

depiction are the bias and racist attitudes prevalent in South at this time. For

all those school administrators who say that the language and ideology of

Twain?s writing is offensive, well, maybe Twain wanted to offend people with

this novel. Maybe he wanted to offend them so much that they would come to the

realization that individuals should not conform to society?s standards, one of

these standards being slavery. Until someone is offended, status quo doesn?t

change. Maybe it?s about time that we remove the blindfold from our nation?s

youth and stop trying to be politically correct. Maybe it?s about time that

kids are exposed to the true horror of racism and prejudice so to detour them

from repeating fatal mistakes. High school students are neither naпve nor

stupid; they can handle the contents of this novel, and hopefully, learn from

Twain?s messages.