Racism In Huck Finn

In Mark Twain’s Huck Finn many a dismayed message are put forth.This book, banned from hundreds of schools nationwide, sends many mixed messages regarding race, adolescence, and peer pressure. The most pressing of these issues, the way Jim, an escaped black slave, is presented in the text. The way Jim is personified in Huck Finn is shameful and racist, and leads to a majorly offensive text which cannot be fully appreciated without mental alterations. The racist attitudes shown in Twain's book, whether or not they are in alignment with his own views, ruin the deeper message the text provided. Past the way Jim is identified , Huck is showing Jim kindness and companionship. When Huck plays a trick on Jim with a snake, he is able to show compassion
towards him and realizes the moral consequences of his actions “ I didn't do him no more mean tricks, and I wouldn't done that one if I'd a knowed it would make him feel that way.” (Chapter 15). Huck's true feelings and message is covered up by the way Jim is shown. As readers, we are only able to see the gross racism in how Jim is portrayed. For example, Jim is shown not to understand the concept of other languages “Why Huck, doan’ de French people talk de same way we does?” (Chapter 14). The way Huck is personified is as an idiot, the way he speaks, his lack of education, and his general demeanor insinuate his intelligence is due to his race. The more positive message of inter-racial comradeship is masked by the obvious one of racism. In this way, Huck Finn isn't able to project its deeper message, and loses a great deal of validity and morality. It’s no wonder such a masterful text is so greatly reprimanded.