Controversial Literature: Race Relations

Throughout history, literature has been used as a medium to convey controversial political topics. Among these topics are race relations. Works such as Uncle Tom's Cabin, To Kill a Mockingbird, and I know why the Caged Bird Sings have been highly disputed amongst society due to the level of conflicting race relations discussed in these novels. More specifically, the language in these novels has been subject to the most crucial judgment. The connotative language used in these novels is not only degrading and distracting, but it is also desensitizing society. Words that were once intentionally offensive are now being used on a daily basis in casual conversation. Words such as "nigga," "cracker," and many more racial slurs have made it into the
The language found here not only includes a racial slur but also insinuates racial tension with the particular word choice. The word "whip" when used in reference to race often brings about thoughts of slavery and the harsh abuse which slaves had to endure, sometimes in the form of whippings. Based on context, the text was most likely alluding to the racial aspects associated with the term. The text achieves its intended purpose which was to be inspiring and accurately depict the emotions associated with Joe Louis's victory; however, using such terms distracts the reader from the victorious aspects of the story and insights negative race relations. While today these words may seem quite controversial to the average person, at the time they were not. Some would even argue that the cultural acceptance of such language then encourages the frequent and casual use of racial slurs in today's
For example, Rap music's popularity amongst all races makes it's influence on society substantially great. The language in some types of Rap music are extremely contraversial.While the language in music may not specifically mention race; it is implied. In Gangster Rap specifically, words such as "ho" and other derogatory terms were targeted at black women. As stated by Terri M. Adams and Douglas B. Fuller in The Words Have Changed but the Ideology Remains the Same: Misogynistic Lyrics in Rap Music, "[t]his image provides a rationale for the history of sexual assaults on African American women"(Adams, Fuller 945). These insinuations in music validate the stereotypes formed about black women and all African Americans, thus escalating race relations