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Should Huckleberry Finn Be Taught In Schools Essay

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There’s one thing about The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn people don't agree on and it's the use of the n-word. Should it, or shouldn’t be taught in schools, there are multiple reasons why Huckleberry Finn should be taught! One of the reasons is how it shows the times back then, it gave people a visual on what “normal” looked like in the past. This book could also teach what the n-word actually means. Kids should be taught what it means in a school environment, not in the “real world” where they might not grasp the words' full meaning. Huckleberry Finn will teach kids that times have changed, things that might be done now, wouldn't be done back in the day. It's a good way for a kid to realize it, not later on in life. There are plenty of …show more content…

Censoring or hiding the word isn't the way to go, the word exists people will find it sooner or later so why not rip the Band-Aid and let it be taught in the best environment possible, a school. In an article named Masterpiece or racist trash by Barbara Apstein she wrote that “Jim embodies the stereotype of the “darky”: he is superstitious and gullible and often appears more childlike than Huck himself”(Barbara Apstein).Back then African Americans would have to deal with white people being on top of the hierarchy. The stereotype for black people back then was them being gullible and superstitious according to Barbara, having a definition for the n-word is a good thing for the country's society to know so that they can have more knowledge on the things they say. Barbara also stated that “Thoughtful examination of Twain's use of the n-word can help teach students the importance of understanding the context in which the word is used”(Barbara Apstein).Which perfectly sums up why it's important for students to have this knowledge. This history should be hidden under lock and key. It should be taught in the right way and the right environment for future generations to come make the world a better

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