How Is Mark Twain Racist In Huck Finn

Few books in American literature have been as influential or as controversial as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. Many critics consider the novel to be racist due to the use of racial slurs and the unflattering depiction of the South. However, Mark Twain was not a racist but a true revolutionary who shed light on a dark time in American history. Twain uses the protagonist Huck Finn and the Mississippi River to help guide the reader through a time of turmoil as they explore the sensitive issues of racism. He pokes fun at society’s cowardice, lack of morality, and selfishness. This novel evokes much needed thought and discussion about racism. Everyone claims that the world no longer has color lines and race is not an issue,
History teaches us the cold, hard facts about slavery, civil rights, and emancipation. However, Mark Twain manages to make this time period come to life. Through the eyes of Huck Finn we experience the hypocrisy of a world in moral confusion. “Good” Christian women like Miss Watson and Aunt Sally have no problem looking down their noses at a slave and feeling they are superior to them. Miss Watson teaches Huck about the Bible, yet fails to understand that its teachings are inclusive and not based on race. Aunt Sally’s attitude towards a slave is one of indifference, because they truly don’t matter. This is very troubling and it is the attitude most southerners all possess. An honorable judge allows Pap, an abusive drunk, to retain custody of Huck, just as a master is allowed to posses a slave. As a child with no rights in the eyes of the law, Huck has become an object that is controlled by a man with no true claim to him except DNA. Huck is a keen observer and notices the irony in all these situations. His own ideas of right and wrong, often conflict with societal rules. These are important concepts are made all the more powerful through the eyes of a young boy in Twain’s
Twain recognized this and wrote The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to convey his belief. Huck and Jim’s relationship changes the way most feel about slavery and racism. It is very simple for a person to claim they are not racist, but until society restructures politics and the economy true equality will never be attainable. African Americans need education and opportunities to advance. Only through advancement will they attain respect and be seen as equals. While we claim to have made strides in race relations and discrimination, there is still much work to be done. Students need to be exposed to these issues and be able to discuss them as they formulate their own ideas. They are the future of our country and the approach they take to these issues can and will make a difference. Books such as Twain’s remind us of everyone’s value, how far we have come as a society and how far we still have to