Why are books like Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, and to Kill a Mocking Bird on banned books lists?

Question

I thought those books were a part of American literature. Lord of the Flies and a couple of others I was really surprised to see. Why is that?

Answer 1

“The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain was banned in Concord, Massachusetts (1885) as “trash and suitable only for the slums.” This fictional work was excluded from the children’s room of the Brooklyn Public Library (1905) on the grounds that “Huck not only itched but scratched, and said sweat when he should have said perspiration.” It was removed from Waukegan, Illinois high school reading list (1984) because of “racially offensive language and tone.” Removed from classrooms in the Cherry Hill, New Jersey schools (1997) after concerns were raised about its “racial epithets” and “depiction of its African-American characters.” Huck Finn was alos pulled from reading lists at three Renton, Washington high schools (2004) after an African-American student said the book degraded her and her culture. Ironically, this book which was attacked after its first publication for being “too racially tolerant” is now being attacked for being “too racist.” Twain’s classic was deemed upon publication as “rough, coarse and inelegant,” and not suited for “intelligent, respectable people.”

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain was excluded from children’s room in the Brooklyn, New York public library (1876) and the Denver, Colorado public library (1876). It was removed from the 7th grade curriculum in the West Chester, Pennsylvania schools (1994) because “it is too full of racially charged language.”

“To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee was challenged and temporarily banned in Eden Valley, Minnesota (1977). It was challenged at the Warren Independent Township schools (1981) because the book “represents institutionalized racism under the guise of good literature.” After unsuccessfully banning the novel, three parents resigned the township human relations advisory council. It was also banned in Lindale, Texas from the advanced placement English reading list (1996) because the book “conflicted with the values of the community.” This novel has been repeatedly challenged and banned in numerous states on the grounds that it “contains profanity and racial slurs.”

“Lord of the Flies” by William Golding was challenged at the Duval County, Florida public school libraries (1992) because of profanity, lurid passages about sex and statements defamatory to minorities, God, women and the disabled. It was challenged, but retained on the ninth-grade accelerated English reading list in Bloomfield, New York (2000).

Answer 2

Some posters have suggested it is the presence of the word ******. But I find this an absurd assertion. That word can be heard coming out of car stereos 24/7 everywhere in America. You hear it in clothing stores as you buy your bling. No one really cares about that word any more. It has no connotation at all since it has been embraced by the very people it was once perjorative to.
I do not hesitate to use it since it really isn't important any more.

I think the sad truth is that these books are banned exactly because they reveal that we as a nation were once openly racist... and we have transformed into something else: a class divided society. Still divided but for different reasons. And we are still unable to face our past nature as much as our current nature.

It's interesting to note that these book were banned by leftist leaning thought police.

It is why I do not identify with 'liberalism' any more than 'conservatism' in our present political climate. Both are spent currencies. We need new thought. Unafraid to admit to past error, unafraid to try new experiments in society. Unafraid in general --that's the medicine we need.

Answer 3

They are no longer politically correct. Little Black Sambo has also been banned even though it is the story of a clever child who out witted three tigers.

What's stupid about banning Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer is the characters in both books are anti-slavery. The overall moral lesson of Tom and Huck saving the slave boy from slave hunters is you CAN make a difference.

Answer 4

I was wondering that myslef. Alot of the books that are on there I have read in school, it was mandatory reading for english classes none the less.
I think who ever made that list is full of s.h.i.t. and trying to stir the pot. Either that or they think that the mandatory reading list for schools should be updated there fore they are trying to get rid of these "classics".
That list also included "lord of the flies" "chrysalids" "harry potter". It was crazy the titles on it..banned..yea..ok.

Answer 5

People were much more closed minded back then. The books are all controversial and that's why. They each talked about things that people would do in the most desperate measures and some people think that should just never be discussed, ever.

Answer 6

banned books list ??? why would anyone ban a book . . .the ones you've mentioned are all classics to me . . read during jr high and high school . . . the banned book list is probally made by some wierdo freaky religious nutts that believe Knowledge is Evil . .

Answer 7

I believe it is because of the use of a racial epitaph. The banned book list is antiquated and ridiculous and always has been.

Answer 8

People don't understand what the book is about. They think they are dirty and that the rest of the world needs to be sheltered from them.

Answer 9

As period pieces, they contain the 'n' word...which was common in conversation at those times. But even recognized literary classics are subject to the PC police.

LotF uses the 'f' word.....horror of horrors.

Answer 10

Mostly small minded people.