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Essay / Discussion on whether Huck Finn should be banned
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain is a controversial topic in today's school system. Vulgar language, rebellion against religion, and the southern portal repeatedly subjected him to intense scrutiny. It has been banned from many public libraries and removed from schools and curriculums for years, but many still believe it should be taught and see the book for the educational purpose it offers readers. It reveals a historical description of the times that should be open, discussed and taught in schools today. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original Essay Huck Finn's use of the term "nigger" towards African Americans sparked controversy in society since 1883, date of its publication. The use of the N-word appears over 200 times throughout the novel. “Nigger” is a very crude word that, for many, connotes a difficult period in history where a minority group was oppressed and treated inhumanely. Mark Twain used the word to give power to themes of racism and slavery. In today's society, the word in this context has no place in a book that uses it in such a way as Huck Finn. However, in the 1880s it was normal in society and the word did not have the power it has today. It has been said that Huck Finn's excessive use of racial slurs drains the book of its true substance and implants the word into the vocabulary of today's youth. If Twain's classic Huck Finn is banned because of racist remarks and descriptions about a runaway slave, should books about the Civil War, Mexican War, and post-Civil War era also be banned? If this were true, the education system would have to completely erase American history. “Here was a free negro from Ohio – a mulatto…and he had a gold watch and chain, and a silver-headed cane – the most horrible old negro. Grey-headed mogul in the state. And what do you think? It was said that he was a college professor, that he spoke all kinds of languages and that he knew everything. And that's not the problem. They said he could VOTE when he was home. Well, that let me out. I think, where is the country going? It was election day, and I was about to go vote myself, if I warn you, I'm not too drunk to make it; but when they told me there was a state in this country where they would let that negro vote, I withdrew. I say I will never vote again.” Without the use of the word "nigger" you wouldn't understand pap's hatred of African Americans who, ironically, are better defined than pap. The reader may view this as Pap simply venting about the African American man, which at the time was out of the norm, and not see that Pap is actually a very racist and hateful man. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a custom essay now from our expert writers.Get a Custom EssayHowever, for some people, Huck Finn might be considered extremely offensive toward African Americans because it uses crude and aggravating racial slurs. It could also stir up depressing feelings from the times when black people were enslaved and treated inhumanely. It could also be seen as encouraging the idea of defying society's rules, lying and stealing from others..