Here's an interesting article from the Los Angeles Times about teaching (or not teaching) The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn:
John
Foley figures he has pretty much maxed out on explaining to African
American mothers why it's OK to call a black man the N-word -- as long
as it's in a novel that is considered a classic.
For years, English teachers have been explaining away the obvious racism in Mark Twain's "The
Adventures of Huckleberry Finn." And for
years, the book that perhaps best explains Americans' genetic
predilection for hitting the road, only to later find themselves, has
stayed near the top of many high school reading lists.
However, with an African American about to be inaugurated as president, Foley wonders whether 'Huck Finn' ought to be sent back down the river. Why not replace it with a more modern, less discomfiting novel documenting the epic journey of discovery?
Read the rest here.
For years, English teachers have been explaining away the obvious racism in Mark Twain's "The
However, with an African American about to be inaugurated as president, Foley wonders whether 'Huck Finn' ought to be sent back down the river. Why not replace it with a more modern, less discomfiting novel documenting the epic journey of discovery?
Read the rest here.
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