Should Huckleberry Finn Be Banned In Schools Research Paper

Modern times challenge Twain’s satirical writing, as it becomes progressively offensive towards racial groups. Many critics and journalists alike debate whether The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should be banned in classrooms as it perpetuates racial stereotypes and its unnecessary use of the N-word. “The Case Against Huck Finn”, written by John H. Wallace, is an article that states every point of why the book should be banned in school. One of the authors' thesis is that the usage of the N-word in the classroom severs the relationships between the teacher and black students. John H Wallace writes, “the black child is offended by the use of the word ‘n*****’ anywhere, no matter what rationale the teacher may use to justify it.” The usage of the word by teachers poses a social threat to black children, and in return, the student rejects the teacher

During The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Twain used the term multiple times in a sentence, making it an unnecessary amount; his intention was not to promote or endorse racism but rather depict the society in which the book takes place. Although he was just trying to get his point across, using the word constantly and using it as either a normal or derogatory term, it doesn’t make it justifiable. For example, in chapter 8 of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck Finn describes Jim’s reaction after becoming the “King” of the raft. Huck describes Jim, saying, “Jim was monstrously proud about it, and he got so he wouldn't hardly notice the other n******. N****** would come miles to hear Jim tell about it, and he was more looked up to than any n******”(Chapter 8). Although the term was used to describe African Americans, the term was always used to oppress and dehumanize African Americans, treating them as a lesser being and making them feel