Why Should Huck Finn Be Banned In American High Schools

Should the book The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain be banned in American high schools? This question has been asked by parents, teachers, and administrators many times. Huck Finn truthfully displays communication between white and black men during the time period. Although many may disagree, we cannot erase history, only learn from it. Therefore, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should be taught to high school students. Mark Twain wrote in a way that could be misinterpreted. The language used in this book was a proper representation of how men talked during the 1880’s, it was not meant to be derogatory. Mark Twain did not intend to be hurtful towards the African Americans, but he did want to replicate how they communicated

We read that black men were not typically treated very well. One notable example is how everyone treats Jim, the black slave Huck runs away with. White men believed they were better than black men, though we now know that is ridiculous. “It was fifteen minutes before I could work myself up to go and humble myself to a nigger; but I done it, and I warn't ever sorry for it afterwards, neither. 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” (Twain 49). In this quote, Huck speaks of how he apologizes to Jim. It took him a while to do it, because he has been taught that black men were not worthy of an apology from a white man, but Huck comes to realize that this is not true. He continues to say he was not sorry for apologizing because he knows it was the right thing to do. This is a very good case of black and white men communication. In most instances, a white man (or child, for that matter) would never humble themselves to a black

Black men are not portrayed negatively. The whole storyline is based on a friendship between a white child and a black man! It is not unhonest or unfair. What would be unfair is if Twain did not write as history occurred. It would be unjust if we did not act like this time in history did not happen. It is an important part of the history of the United States, however terrible, we must not forget it. In conclusion to this statement, Mark Twain did not portray African American men badly, he portrayed them honestly. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn has always been looked to as a classic. Many important characteristics are portrayed such as loyalty and honesty. There is a reason this book has been read for decades, it is important for the lesson to be carried on to future generations. Children need to understand our history, even if that includes a few “bad