Mark Twain’s “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” will be getting a few changes, soon.
After decades of being removed from school shelves and reading lists, this would seem to be a move to get Twain’s work back in the hands of young readers. The edits include changing the use of the “n” word (using “slave” instead) and the reference to Native Americans as “injun” will also be replaced:
“Huck Finn” was first published in 1884, and it was just a year later when people began to wonder if the book should be banned. The more things change…
There has been a huge response to editing Twain’s work, both for and against. As writers, editors, designers, bloggers … creatives … how do you weigh in?
Ben says
Against. Vehemently. If Mark Twain meant “slave”, he would have written “slave”. The word is in there to have impact. If an English teacher isn’t able to say the “caveat: this was written in a different time” comment, which is how I was taught, or better yet ask the students how the use of that word makes them feel, why they think Mark Twain used it, etc, then that teacher probably shouldn’t be teaching. Any steps towards censorship, whether imposed or voluntary, sacrifice the art.
Jmayhak says
Completely agree with you, Ben.
Jeff Randleman says
Agreed.
Jeff Randleman says
Agreed!
austinklee says
I am of the mind that a work should not be edited. I understand that some of the language could be offensive to certain people, but at the same time it was reflective of society at that time.
Will there be a similar situation that arises in the future as books written using the accepted vernacular of today are banned for being offensive in the future?
I choose not to use those words, however, those were the words of the author. Do we need to paint over the naked bodies in paintings next?
Andrew says
Alive or dead the author’s work should always be respected. Pull it off the shelves, do what they must, but to edit such an amazing work would truly be a travesty and a step backward in literature.
Tom Dye says
“White washing” is for fences, not literature.
John Saddington says
see comments below.
Stephen says
So here’s the thing. I completely come down on the side that this should not be edited. Twain was one of the great American writers. To edit him now because we’re offended is a travesty. Except . . .
Then I think about the fact that I never read Huck Finn in school. I think about all of the other’s not exposed to a great work by a great author. So part of me wants to give in to the PC stuff if that’s what it takes to get it on the shelves.
So, I dunno. Not sure where I come down in the end on this one.
Yohan Perera says
I don’t want to answer that question… However I still have one of those paper back pocket size books (the adventures of Huckleberry Finn) in my shelf… (not to mention that I enjoyed The adventures of Tom Sawyer too…)
Tom Dye says
This post title says “Open Thread.” but I guess if someone is not part of your little church group then you won’t let their comment through moderation. Seems very dishonest and hypocritical. Not sure why my comment was not worthy of your acceptance, besides your Church group being an exclusionary group, but either way, you just lost a reader. I guess you forgot about Twain’s story of whitewashing the fence, or maybe you are too ignorant to have known of it., or just another typical holier than thou Church group?
John Saddington says
hey buddy, chill out. your comment got moderated because you don’t comment too often around here. see screenshot: http://cl.ly/2F0n3O262Q1l2i2h3h01
i’ve got a new kid ( 12 days old right now ) and i can’t be moderating 24 hours 7 days a week every single minute.
sheesh.
John Saddington says
and here’s the screenshot of the first comment that was moderated. if you’re not a parent then i suppose you might not understand fully the responsibilities of a being a good husband to a wife who needs help feeding a 2-week old.
we don’t need your negativity bro. you can leave anytime – http://cl.ly/250l190N0c3i3r230414
Jeff Randleman says
I’m against it. I can’t be more against it. It’s a shame that we have reached the point where we are editing works post-humously in order to make them “more acceptable.” Don’t like it? Don’t read it. Write a negative review on Amazon. Just don’t edit it.
It’s all rather Fahrenheit 451-ish…
Eric Dye says
You get 10 bonus points for the awesome reference: “Fahrenheit 451”
A little 1984-ish, too, maybe? … a little?