Huck Finn: Opposition to Racism
Megan Patton
John Rohrkemper
February 28, 2010
American Lit
Exposing the Racist, Opposing Racism
Since its original publication in 1884, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has proven to be one of the most controversial when it comes to the reoccurring issue of race in American society. Many argue that Mark Twain held the racist ideals that most people had in the 1830’s, while others know that Twain was a social satirist, mocking the ignorance of society. In order to be considered a racist novel Huck Finn would have to advocate racism. The evidence thus far has lead me to believe that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn promotes a strong set of antiracist ethical values as the main character, Jim, a runaway slave is displayed as the best, most honorable character, while other white characters are depicted as ignorant and self centered, lacking ethical reasoning. The immorality of racism is periodically satirized throughout the novel. The unethical thinking of the time period of slavery is an issue that Twain recognizes, mocks, and clearly presents his opposition toward.
One of the main concerns consistently brought up by those who argue that Twain is racist is that simply based on the dialogue and use of the word “nigger,” Twain is being insensitive toward blacks. He must be a racist if he is using such a derogatory term. However, they fail to realize that he is telling a story how it would have happened and he avoids beating around the bush in order to lay out the reality of the time period when people engaged in such communication. Justin Kaplan uses powerful words on the matter when he questions people who have “allowed him or herself even the barest minimum of intelligent response to its underlying spirit” (378) and still “accuse it of being racist because some of its characters use offensive racial epithets” (378). On the surface, this can easily be detected as racism but when taking a look at particular circumstances of ignorance, Huck’s internal
John Rohrkemper
February 28, 2010
American Lit
Exposing the Racist, Opposing Racism
Since its original publication in 1884, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has proven to be one of the most controversial when it comes to the reoccurring issue of race in American society. Many argue that Mark Twain held the racist ideals that most people had in the 1830’s, while others know that Twain was a social satirist, mocking the ignorance of society. In order to be considered a racist novel Huck Finn would have to advocate racism. The evidence thus far has lead me to believe that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn promotes a strong set of antiracist ethical values as the main character, Jim, a runaway slave is displayed as the best, most honorable character, while other white characters are depicted as ignorant and self centered, lacking ethical reasoning. The immorality of racism is periodically satirized throughout the novel. The unethical thinking of the time period of slavery is an issue that Twain recognizes, mocks, and clearly presents his opposition toward.
One of the main concerns consistently brought up by those who argue that Twain is racist is that simply based on the dialogue and use of the word “nigger,” Twain is being insensitive toward blacks. He must be a racist if he is using such a derogatory term. However, they fail to realize that he is telling a story how it would have happened and he avoids beating around the bush in order to lay out the reality of the time period when people engaged in such communication. Justin Kaplan uses powerful words on the matter when he questions people who have “allowed him or herself even the barest minimum of intelligent response to its underlying spirit” (378) and still “accuse it of being racist because some of its characters use offensive racial epithets” (378). On the surface, this can easily be detected as racism but when taking a look at particular circumstances of ignorance, Huck’s internal