In Mark Twain's novel, The Adventures of Huck Finn, the original story is told using language that would have been normal during the time it was written, but is now very outdated. At the time it was published, and ever since then, the novel has been controversial. It has been banned by schools several times in the past 150 years or so since it was published. The main reason for this controversy is that Jim, Miss Watson's slave, is referred to by the "n" word throughout the entire novel.
Please answer these questions on a piece of paper in complete sentences. Please think carefully about your answers, and try to be thoughtful in your response.
- In general, who can or can't say the word? When, if ever, can it be said?
- How do you feel about the use of the word?
- Is the use of the word in the classroom different from its use outside the classroom?