Huckleberry Finn Controversy?

Question

Why is the teaching and reading of Huck Finn so controversial?

How have the criticisms about the book changed over the years?

How do these various criticisms reflect a changing America?

Under what circumstances, if any, do you think a book should be taken off a school's reading list and/or out of its library?

Answer 1

Because it was written in a time when the U.S. had not developed a sensitivity toward Afro-American culture. The language used in the book was typical of that era (1880's) where the term "******" was commonly used. The story takes place during the time of slavery and the character Jim is a run away slave.

Originally, the book was criticized because the language used in the book was considered "rough language" and did not depict the south in a good light and could offend southerns who were still struggling to adapt after the Civil War.

Today, the book has been criticized because it's language is offensive to those who are cultural sensitive and it could offend Americans of African decent.

American has changed dramatically in the last 140 years both politically and socially. Everyday, acceptable language
and attitudes from the 1860's thru 1880's would totally shock us today. As a country we have learned to embrace diversity and appreciate our difference.

A classic book should never be banned from a school's library. However, before assigning Huckleberry Finn as a book to read the teacher should discuss the changes in attitudes and language from the late 1800's to present day prior to assigning the book thereby lessening the possibility of someone being offended.

Answer 2

The biggest controversy with Huck Finn was the casual and colloquial use of the word "n-i_g-g-e_r" (if I don't write it that way I'll end up with a suspended account or something).

The question turns on whether we need to preserve the original words to preserve this or any book as a classic.

The alternative is to change the wording to reflect current sensitivities. This opens the way for all sorts of controversy about every book ever written.

Should this book or that book be rewritten? Who makes the decision? Who insures the book's impact is not changed. How much of the book can be changed?

It goes on and on.

Answer 3

The "N" work is somewhat controversial now, although that is pretty mild. When the book came out, the big controversy was supposedly that a white boy got involved to such a degree with a black man, and the black man is portrayed as intelligent and insightful, rather than shuffling and silly. The book criticized racial bigotry in American and was controversial for than reason. Over time the criticism itself seemed tepid in light of the widespread injustice to African Americans. The portrayal of Jim as intelligent now seems a bit patronizing. Why shouldn't he be intelligent? If you want an interesting angle on this subject, do some research about how the book was received at the time it was published. It was not really all that controversial. Twain was usually careful not to rattle his audience's cage too fiercely.

Answer 4

It's controversial because it reflects an era AND a locale in which what was "socially acceptable" is very different that what is politically correct today. The book is an American classic and also has many redeeming qualities including the positive relationship between Huck and Jim. I think it's silly to ban it: TEACH THE TEACHERS how to use it as a springboard for some serious discussions about the racial tension that still exist in the US today.

Answer 5

It was controversial because of it's use of the N word.

Sadly I don't think it has changed much. There are people who will never be able to get past that word and see it for the great piece of literature that it is and there are people who don't consider how the taking the use of that word lightly is detrimental. While historically accurate it is a shame this book will forever be more famous for the controversy than the story.

While I don't think it should be taught before a college level I don't believe banning books from a library should ever happen.

Answer 6

Because Huck Finn said the N-word.

We are trying too hard to make our books and history too PC.

These are the same people who blow a gasket if someone protest the book that Jane has two mommies.

You look at Uncle Tom's cabin which was the book that spark the Civil War.

So we better get use to the idea that we should read more and protest what we read less.

Answer 7

Even though racial slurs and names used at the time Mark Twain wrote it, which were used by everyone including the ethnic group mentioned, the politically correct crowd have deemed it racist.
There is an extremely conservative (has nothing to do with politics) group of people that act as our thought police because we can't handle things like Mark Twain's books. They've tried to ban the Harry Potter stuff.
Catcher In The Rye was banned.
Didn't you ever see the movie "1984" ?

Answer 8

it's only controversial because of a certain word used in the book. the word was appropriate when it was written, and people should teach kids that it is not ok to say it now, but it was then...

People shouldn't ban it because of that. Sure ban a book with lots of sex or something, but a word? come on!

I remember reading words back in school that had bad words in them, no big deal.

Answer 9

One reason is that the derogatory term "n***er is used in the book. Also, Huck speaks in the vernacular, instead of using proper English.

Many consider it the greatest American novel ever written. Too bad people want to ban it for "politically correct" reasons.

Answer 10

That book is so controversial becasue so many people don't understand what happens in the book or don't take the time to read it thouroughly so that they might be able to so your on your own but my advice would be read the book for yourself and answer your own question