Dominic Bessignano
Period 5
1/13/14
Op-Ed
Because of
the content/word choice, should students read The Adventures of Huckleberry
Finn in high schools? Many people today debate greatly because of the use of
the word “nigger” in Huck Finn. Jill Nelson, the author of Finding Martha’s
Vineyard, told the New York Times, “I live in a city where I probably hear the
word “nigger” 50 times a day from people of all colors and ages, though
primarily from young people on public transportation.” Not only in the past but
the use of the word “nigger” by all “colors and ages” has increased unknowingly
as people are beginning to accept things that would not have been seen as
normal 25 years ago.
I believe
that Huck Finn should be read in high schools. The quote from Jill Nelson shows
that “primarily from young people” the use of the word “nigger” is being more
widely used. The doctor tells the crowd who wants to hurt Jim, “I liked the nigger for that; I tell you,
gentlemen, a nigger like that is worth a thousand dollars—and kind treatment,
too.” (Twain 253). This shows us that from that time period that
the word “nigger” was just another way to call a black person. This evidence is
also shown today as the word “nigger” becomes more prevalent in our society
today through music and shows/movies. Therefore there should be no reason to
not read Huck Finn as it is a very well written book with very interesting
arguments and that the book would not be the same without the use of the word
“nigger”.
Many could easily argue against my
opinion about the book being read or not. People will still take offense or be
nervous when having to confront the word “nigger”. Smiley tells us, “No
matter how often the critics "place in context" Huck’s use of the
word "nigger," they can never excuse or fully hide the deeper racism
of the novel.” I believe Smiley is right to an extent, because The Adventures
of Huckleberry Finn was written in a different period. The use of the word
“nigger” was more commonly used kind of like it would have been like saying
African American throughout the whole story if it was written today.
When Mary
Jane mourns for the slaves she tells Huck, “Oh, dear, dear, to think they ain’t
ever going to see each other any more!” (Twain 167). Mary Jane shows concern for people that
are not of the same color and she probably would have called them “niggers”.
Back then it was just common to call a black person a “nigger”. It was not
racial because black people would call other black people “niggers” showing
that there was no negativity. From the slave holding south of the past the only
discrimination was the color of people not the word choice. Therefore there is
no need to not read the book in high school because it would just change the
meaning of the book. We should read Huck Finn because it is a good
learning/reading experiment and opens new doors of discussion on situations we
have today.
Nelson,
Jill. “Part of Our Lexicon.” The New York
Times (2011).
Smiley,
Jane. "Say It Ain't So, Huck: Second Thoughts on Mark Twain's ‘Masterpiece’."
Harper's Magazine 292 (1996): 61-67.
Twain, Mark. The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Leipzig: Tauchnitz, 1885. Print.
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