The Importance Of Huckleberry Finn In Schools

Huckleberry Finn Should be taught in School
Many critics believe that Huckleberry Finn should not be taught in school because of the racism, language, and the influence the book has on the younger audience. According to John H. Wallace: The Case against Huck Finn, “is the most grotesque example of racist trash written and is not good for our children” (Wallace 309). While others believe Huckleberry Finn should be taught in school and that it portrays a time in history of racism and speaks volumes of a friendship forged when the country was at odds. Huckleberry Finn is just that a part of American History and American Literature. Huckleberry Finn is one of the very first works of American Literature. Huckleberry Finn represents the effects
According to the “Boston Transcript”, Huckleberry Finn is “regarded as trash and is more suited to the slums than to intelligent, respectable people” (“Boston Transcript” 308).The language used by Mark Twain in Huckleberry Finn is offensive and depicts humor during this period of time. According to the “Harvard Gazette”, "The n-word is spoken there a number of times," said NAACP Pennsylvania state President Charles Stokes. "The concern we have is that to a black child it might be damaging. Also to a white child, or a Hispanic child, those words could be damaging" (Powell). Parents as well as high schools and colleges have demanded that Huckleberry Finn not be taught. The thinking behind Twains, writings is that it will only strike discord between the races. Huckleberry Finn is consider to be a stereotype of racists and language and instead of bringing light to this time in history and the building of a relationship it is poking fun. The belief of that if our country is to move on from racism and division writings like Huckleberry Finn should not be taught (Yee). Huckleberry Finn is outdated and portrays a society that stood at odds and more writings of unity should be taught to reflect changes of
Huckleberry Finn should not be banned from schools, this will only allow the preconceived notion that our students lack the intellect to draw their own conclusions. It is important to remember that Mark Twain was not a racist and wrote about the criticism of the racist mindset that many 19th century people had and still have (Fishkins). The irony of history and racism is painfully intertwined in the past and present and with allowing the teaching of Huckleberry Finn it will allow some of these issues to be solved. Huckleberry Finn not only confronts the deepest racial feelings and insecurities, it calls for society to take a stand and learn from the past and present and with open minds to eradicate racism and censorship from great