Racism in Mark Twain´s Huckleberry Finn

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Racism is an extremely serious matter and should not be included in classrooms around the nation. Should the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn be allowed in schools, or is it inappropriate because of the “racism?” It may actually be the opposite of racist. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is an anti-racist book written by Mark Twain. Although this book comes across as being racist, it is merely trying to teach people how different life was in the 19th Century in an adventurous way. The “racist” words, such as “nigger,” are used for literary purposes only. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn promotes the cause of freedom, social justice, and human understanding. This book should not be banned from high schools because it is an important learning experience and doesn’t support racism. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is not intended to be a racist book, instead it displays the true culture of life back in the 1800’s, but still is not entirely appropriate for younger audiences.
Offensive and racist language—like “nigger”—is used to truly capture the lifestyle in the 19th century. First of all, Huck was taught that racial discrimination towards African Americans was right. In doing this, Mark Twain is trying to correctly and accurately demonstrate life shortly after the civil war. The book was written in this time period when that language was normal and accepted. Twain is in no way trying to show racism toward African Americans when writing this book. This novel is not a blithe, cheerful, or feel good novel but instead a piece of American Literature. It has withstood the test of time and exhibits past culture in a very accurate way that makes you feel as if you are living it. One purpose of this book is to teach audiences the c...

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...nd adventurous story displaying life shortly after the civil war. The plot is no way shows racist views, and actually shows anti-racist views. Those who consider the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn a racist book haven’t read and understood the book and its meaning. Just because it uses “offensive” and confound language doesn’t make it racist. This novel should definitely be allowed in high schools, but not in middle or elementary schools, because that age group is most likely not mature enough to understand the true meaning of the book.

Works Cited

"Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." Shmoop. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Jan. 2014.
· "Controversy Over Huckleberry Finn: Depictions of Slavery & Racism Caused a History of
Banning." Bright Hub Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Jan. 2014.
· Twain, Mark. Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. New York: Dover, 1994. Print.

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