To Ban Or Not To Ban Essay

Schimming 1

Steele Schimming
Mrs. McCoy
English 2/H
February 26, 2015
To Ban or not to Ban?

Should Huck Finn be taught in schools? This question has been widely debated

over the past years and it still is till this day. Many say that the book should be banned from schools because of the racial comments in the book; people claim that it could offend the youth, but all the book does is enlighten the youth about the American history of slavery.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn remains as one of the most controversial books taught in high school today. Many argue that it is racist and perpetuates inaccurate stereotypes. This book is one of the most important components of American literature in our libraries today, it throws the reader into a time when slavery was lawful and accepted, and gives the reader a new perspective on slavery in general. Until people can come up with a better argument than the word “nigger” creating a “hostile work environment” it should not be taken off the required reading list of any High School.
“I fetched meal and bacon and coffee, and coffeepot and fryingpan, and sugar and tin cups, and the nigger was set back considerable, because he reckoned it was all done with witchcraft.” Twain [567]
If we, as America, make it a point to ban all books that could possibly offend students, then every hundred years or so our library of American Literature will be completely different.
Even today, modern day authors use poor language, serious sexual content, and racial comments to get their point across.

Schimming 2
The people who are trying to ban
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are only trying to block out a part of American history that they would just as soon be forgotten, but every part of American history needs to be dealt with and accepted by everyone at a young age.
People shouldn’t just ban things and act like they didn’t happen in history. This novel brings a lot of life lessons that should be taught in schools.
The novel was banned in some schools because it showed that the black slaves and freemen of America were as human as any of the white characters. In many cases they were superior to the local white population such as Huck's pap. the feuding families, the carpet baggers and so on. Jim, the runaway slave, was as much hero of the story as Huck. This revelation did not sit well with the segregationists.
“but when they told me there was a State in this country where they'd let that nigger vote, I drawed out. I says I'll never vote again.” Twain [35]
Just because the novel has some words that may be offensive should not take a book off a reading list for children. A lot of kids are reading things on the internet that is a lot worse.
Huck Finn is probably the best novel ever written in the American English language. It is the best work of the man who is probably our best writer It has beautifully developed characters, it provides insights into the attitudes and beliefs of the Old South. It lights up young peoples imaginations. It explores some of the peripheral issues connected with slavery. It should be part of everyones education.
"Well, it's a blame ridicklous way, en I doan' want to hear no mo' 'bout it. Dey ain' no sense in it."
"Looky here, Jim; does a cat talk like we do?" Twain

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