Huckleberry Finn Essay, Research Paper

I enjoyed watching the movie on the controversies of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn . People discussed their own personal likes and dislikes of the author s (Mark Twain) use of the word Nigger . I was able to listen to both sides of the story. I agree and disagree with both sides. I am stuck in the middle. If I had to choose one side I would not be able to. In the next few paragraphs I will give my feelings and ideas on the movie and the use of the word in the book.

First, in the movie that I watched, there is a mother of an African-American teenage girl who was supposed to read this book for English class. The word Nigger used in this book offended her, so she took this issue to her mother who took it further to the School Board Committee and so on. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was written in the 1800 s, where it was normal to own slaves. Although, some people did not agree with slave traders, there was no law saying it was illegal. I think that people need to understand that when this book was written, these things took place and these words were said. I feel as though we are past this issue now a day and we should look at this book not only as reading curriculum but also as a history lesson. Mark Twain was a very kind hearted person and I don t believe this word was used to offend anyone. If you read the very beginning of the book called Mark Twain and Huck Finn it explains a little bit about Mark Twain and his writings. Huckleberry Finn is a beautifully balanced combination of humor and horror, of loneliness and love. This book is about life back then in a child s mind.

Also, I disagree with the mother in the movie taking it as far as she did. I do agree with her on making this book or any book mandatory curriculum. I don t believe that we as students should have a mandatory curriculum. I think we should be able to have a list of books, which we can choose from, only because everyone is not the same. Some books may offend people more than others and vise versa.

Finally, in the movie a guy said that Jim was portrayed as dumb and stupid because he was black. I do not agree with this. My interpretation as I read the book was that Jim had a strong heart, conscience, feelings and mind. I really loved Jim in the story; he grew very fond of Huck, almost like a father. Jim looked out for Huck; he loved him, worried about him, and cared for him. I did not see Jim as dumb or stupid at all.

I have a hard time writing this paper because I am very confused on this subject. Even though we are in the nineties these issues still occur every day. I don t think that we will live a day where there is no issue on racism at all. I don t agree with racism, I believe we are all the same on the inside and one needs to get to know another before they choose to say something. I agree and disagree with this movie. I guess what they say is true, To each its own.