I don't think Huck Finn should be censored. The words that are used reflect how people thought back then. If this is censored then some of the message might be lost in translation, therefore messing up the entire book. People just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that before reading this book.
I agree with Matthew, Huck Finn should not be censored. This is because the words were chosen specifically to create Huck Finn's character. If people do not like to read books with this language, then they should not read it. The language in Huck Finn gives readers an idea of how people in the past spoke.
Huck Finn, or any book for that matter, should not be censored. It's just a word, and words can't hurt us, right? "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." I agree with Matthew completely when he says people just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that. We are going to encounter them enough in our lifetime, there is no use in "hiding" them from us.
Huck Finn should definitely not be censored. It would be outrageous to do this. The author used the words appropriate at that time. I especially agree with the following statement:"artist's attempt to share what is in his or her soul. The audience is free to accept or reject those choices". If teachers don't want their students to experience the "N" word or any other so called explicit language then they shouldn't assign it to their students. It would also be better to encounter a "bad" word in a safe environment such as school and be able to discuss it instead of encountering it when it is used as a derogatory term. The more that these words are shunned and shown to be "bad" the more negative power they have. If the topic of this explicit language was discussed in a safe environment and not used in other places, then it would just become a word that people used in the past. i agree with chance that we are going to encounter these words in our lifetime and there is no use hiding them. I agree with Matthew that the words are used to reflect how people thought back then. Lastly, I agree with Donna on the fact that if people do not like to read books with this language then they shouldn't read it.
"Huck Finn" should not be censored. In the steal method, speech is very important. Huck's words are one of the many things that build his personality. Without cursing, there would be a missing piece to Huck Finn's character. If this classic novel was altered in any way, it would no longer be a classic. Why does this story of Huck Finn need to be changed? Kids will eventually encounter (if they have not already)language portrayed in this book in real life. The public needs to accept the book the way it is, or just simply not read it.
I believe that Huck Finn should not be censored. The words expressed and used in Huck Finn were the appropriate words at the time. In modern society today, we are probably using words that will not be accepted in future societies. If authors wrote those words into books and in the future some people want to take them out, we would not want them to edit our time period. When an author uses words that the modern time does not use, the reader becomes more wrapped up in the book because the language and slang used (like in STEAL, Speech matters) from a past time period helps you to really be captivated by the time. For example, a Prine from the 1600s would not say something like "sup." He would probably say something more like, "Good day." I agree with Chance when he says that reading words won't hurt you as long as that language is not used.
I believe that Huck Finn should not be censored. The words in this book show how they talked at that time period. I think kids need to understand how they talked and how we have changed. If we censored the language, it would be like censoring history, and I think that we need to know our history no matter how cruel it was. These words also describe and make Huck the way we see him when we read.
I agree with Mr. Pitts. I think Mr. Twain wasn't trying to discriminate a certain race but instead use the language of that was used in the area and time of the great Huck Finn. As Mr. Pitts said, " We do not need to sugarcoat history", not only will these new censored books block a certain word that should never be spoken or written in this time but it also changes the book's view of Joe which will greatly decrease to his character and also how the relationship of Huck and him is seen. Even though some words in the story shouldn't be used in this time it doesn't mean we should remove them from history.
I believe that Mr. Pitts is absolutely right. Such a wonderful classic like Huck Finn should not be tarnished by the guilt of Americans today. Back when Huck Finn was written the "n-word" was a commonly used word and so it was normal for anyone to call a black slave that word. It may show our dark history, but we cannot just cover up our mistakes as a country by trying to fix the problems back then, now. This act of censorship is a disgrace to the african american people here today. Just because some readers cannot handle the word, doesn't mean that they must blot out this crucial part in American history. It is almost like denying any bad thoughts of the black slaves back before slavery was abolished. I am not saying that the "n-word" should be used today, but that it was the common word used back when Huck Finn was written. This is why I agree with Mr. Pitts.
I agree with Mr. Pitts and think that they should not alter the words in "Huck Finn". The words they used back then such is the "n" word were not used as a derogatory term like they are used today. Therefore they should be allowed. Also, if school districts feel that those words should not be used then they can not have that book in their curriculum. I agree with Gabe when he said that it's better if students are exposed to the words in a safe environment. And I like what mac said about how everyone will eventually be exposed to "bad" words. And I agree with Lauren when she said that Speech is a big part of the "Steal" method and important to that time period.
Mr. Pitts is absolutely correct. I believe that we should not censor Huck Finn. Extending the ever growing bubble of ignorance that plagues the modern age is a cause that we shouldn't contribute to. Altering this wonderful classic is a violation of the author and his work. Using the words that are historically accurate to that time period is something that greatly enhances the originality of the text.We need to educate our children of their country's accurate past. I strongly agree with Eli's post, and second his thoughts. I agree with Chance that words can't hurt us. I also agree with Gabe Safier's post that if teachers or parents don't like whats in the book, don't assign it for the kids to read. Go Leonard!
I agree with Connor; changing the history of Huck Finn disturbs the author and the productions he has made. I also agree with Sadie; if we censored the language used back then, students and people would not know what the society of the past was like.
I agree with Connor that ignorance plaues or modern societies. I also agree with Mr. Safier in that it is someone's choice to read something so if they don't agree with it they don't have to read it. I finally agree with Chance in the sense of sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
I agree with not censoring Huck Finn. I kind of understand why they want to censor it, but as doing that there are things that will change a lot. I feel like changing the words originally used is like changing the past. If they think it's bad for their kids then just don't read it. I agree with Donna that it shows the culture back then. I strongly agree with Conner how it is hurting the author and his work. I also agree with Mac that his speech build up his character.
I can see how many like the idea of censoring Huck Finn however, I believe that this classic story should not be censored. Many reasons help to substantiate this, one being the fact that the explicit language used through out the book is used only to give the readers an idea of what the time period in which the events of the book took place. It also helps the readers use characterization methods such as STEAL. One can identify what the character is like just by looking through their dialogue. I agree with Gabe Koreman in the fact that not what happened in the past might not be relevant in the future but that doesn't mean we should get rid of it. I also agree with Chance and that it all matters how students take the bad language. Lastly, I agree with Sadie. We should know what history was like even though it was cruel. These are just a few of the reasons I think Huck Finn should not be censored
I fully agree with everything Mr. Pitts wrote in his editorial; Huck Finn should not be censored. The novel was written in a time period in which it was acceptable to call Africans that word. However, if it was written today, the author obviously would have used a more time-appropriate word. But it was the authors choice, and it is not the public's decision to make. The explicit language in the timeless novel is crucial to the characterization of Huck. Speech is a very important aspect of "STEAL", and the style of Huck's speaking aids the reader in knowing when the story occurred. I am totally against sugar-coating the past, I think that the audience deserves to know the truth. It is their choice to accept it, or reject it. No one is forcing them to read it. On Connor's comment I agree with everything, especially when he mentions that altering the language would decrease the text's originality. I also agree with Lily's statement about how appropriate language is different for different time periods. On Donna's statement, I l agree with her when she said that you aren't forced to read it, and that it is the readers choice whether they are going to accept the past, or try to hide it.
I believe that Huck Finn should be censored. I don’t, however, think that they should stop publishing uncensored versions. I understand Eli’s point, “Such a wonderful classic like Huck Finn should not be tarnished by the guilt of Americans today” and there is value in the uncensored version. I think that there should be an option to buy either book depending on the age level of the reader. For younger children, parents or teachers who may feel uncomfortable with the language in the original, a censored version would allow children to enjoy the classic literature without offensive language. I disagree with Chance’s “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me.” I think that little children would be scarred for life if they read a book that wasn’t intended for their age level. Buying a book should be like buying a song, you should have the choice of purchasing the clean version or the original.
I believe that Huck Finn should not be censored. Why would anyone want to censor an American classic just to "fit in" with the times. If you really have such a strong urge to not have the "N" word in stories than maybe just don't assign those books to students if you're a teacher or not allow you're kids to read it. Huck Finn is kind of a glimpse into the past and taking out some of the language is almost denying that the in the past things were different and people talked differently. I agree with Conner about how censoring the book is harming the author's work. I also agree with Abby because people in the past used the "N" word and that was accepted back then so why change it. I also disagree with Lizzy because the language in this book is what was normal and parents and teachers would never assign this to students young enough to be "scarred for life", and classic literature is classic for a reason and censoring it would take away from that.
I strongly agree with Gabe S.'s comment. If teachers dont want their students to read the n word then they can choose to not assign the book. I also agree with Lizzie. To just clear up the problem there should be one censored and one non-censored version of the book. Finally, I agree with Connor J. The bubble of ignorance surrounding America will just grow stronger if we totally get rid of the original Huck Finn.
I strongly agree with Mr. Pitt's view, in that "Huck Finn" should not be censored. "Huck Finn" is a timely classic, that displays an era in American history. By using the word in the book, Mark Twain was trying to paint that era and make the story come alive. In the book Mark Twain was not trying to hurt people, he was just showing the world what life was like. By censoring this book, America is trying to rewrite its history. Teachers should just address the word, as if it were any other and focus more on the elements and theme of Mark Twain's writing. I agree with Lizzy's point, on the fact that people should have a choice between a clean and original version. I also disagree with her point because people shouldn't be afraid of a word, they should just accept it and not make a big deal out of it. I agree with Abby's comment, on how the words Mark Twain used were crucial to Huck's character development. I agree with her comment because without the word choices the author specifically makes, the audience never has a full understanding of who the character really is. Lastly, I agree with Conner's point, on the fact that censoring an author's work is a violation of them and their work of literature. I agree with his point because if an author chooses to write a story his/her way, you should respect their decision and not alter anything. These are just some of they many points on why "Huck Finn" should not be censored.
I believe that Huck Finn should be censored. It's not fair to all of the people that are affected by the language to have to endure that. I think the main problem here is that it is a required read at many schools and children are being forced to read things that hurt them. If it wasn't required, then it would be okay to have it uncensored, because then people could use their discretion to determine if they could handle the language used in it. I agree with Lizzy that there should be a censored and uncensored version of the book. If there were two versions, then people could read it without being emotionally affected and others could read it without losing the historical aspect the language gives to the story. I also agree with Eli that we can't cover up how the past used to be or pretend it never happened. But I think that censoring the book is to protect people from harm now. I don't think they are doing it to try to change the past or ruin the book. I don't agree with Chance when he says "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Actions and words both speak very loudly, but words can affect people immensly. The words in Huck Finn can hurt people, just as a sad part in a book, if written well, can move some readers to tears.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 10:32 AM "Huck Finn" should not be censored. In the steal method, speech is very important. Huck's words are one of the many things that build his personality. I agree with Shea. A person's words demonstrate how people spoke back then and what was considered okay to say. Without cursing, there would be a missing piece to Huck Finn's character. I agree with Connor. If this classic novel was altered in any way, it would be a violation of the author and his work and it would no longer be a classic. Why does this story of Huck Finn need to be changed? Kids will eventually encounter (if they have not already)language portrayed in this book in real life. I agree with Charlie, words can't hurt us. The public needs to accept the book the way it is, or just simply not read it.
I agree with Connor; altering the work of the author is wrong. Huck Finn is a historical book and it shouldn't be censored just because of bad words. Their speech demonstrates how differently people spoke back then and what was considered okay.I also agree with Sadie; censoring the book would be hiding our true American history. I disagree with Natalie because censoring the book would be teaching kids the wrong thing. The words in the book are correct with that time period. We should not alter them to fit our time period better because that is altering history itself.
I think Huck Finn shouldn't be censored. The words they used in the story show the time period. Without these words, you don't get a good image of the setting/time period. We know never to used those words, so they shouldn't be offensive since the author isn't directly speaking to the reader. I agree with Abby that back then the N word was acceptable and that this language is crucial to characterization. I also agree with Andrew that if people have such a strong dislike to reading the N word, the teachers just shouldn't assign it.
I believe that Mr. Pitts is absolutely correct in his analysis of the Huck Finn controversy. The book should not be changed from its original format because it will not be reflecting the language used in that time. It is a part of history and we shouldn't try to change history. I agree with Mr. M. Teeters in the fact that "People just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that before reading this book." If you aren't able to handle the bad words, then don't read it! I agree with Mr. E. Koreman when he said "It may show our dark history, but we cannot just cover up our mistakes as a country by trying to fix the problems back then, now." We cannot change the past, so just move on! I also agree with Mr. S. Wells when he says "Censoring the book would be hiding our true American history and teaching kids the wrong thing." You shouldn't try to hide your past, you live in the present and you have no control over history.
I don't think the book Huck Finn should be censored. It's not fair to the author to have his work be altered or edited in any way. The book's language may be not what we use currently, but that doesn't give us the right to edit a book because of a word that kids are going to eventually hear anyway. I disagree with Natalie, though. Some people may be hurt by the word used, but it's not like the book is the only place they are going to hear it. I agree with Lauren when she says that speech is a part of STEAL and the language used describes the characters and the time period they are in. However, I do agree with Lizzy when she says that people should have a choice in whether they read the censored or uncensored version. That is a great way to settle disputes on whether it should be censored or not. I believe that Huck Finn should not be censored due to the way a word was used back when the book was written. But, like Lizzy, I do think it would be helpful to have a censored and uncensored version for people on either side of the argument.
(Continued from above) I also agree with Lauren G.'s point of it helping you with the STEAL method. I believe that if the teacher feels like the students are ready for that kind of material then they can buy the uncensored version.
I do not believe that Huck Fin should be censored. Altering the work of Mark Twain would take part of the spirit out of the book. Using the language of the time creates the mood and setting in the book. Also, it would be too wordy to replace words with "the African American boy" or "that man who is of decent of the native Americans named Joe". I believe that it is a book and that if you are too immature to read it then you shouldn't read it and that if it were censored it would still be to deep or confusing for you. I agree with Shea, Sadie, GabeK, and EliK in that is is wrong to censor history. History is history and it is the past that cannot be changed.
Huck Finn's words should not be censored. The words used are necessary for the setting of the story. Also, becuase Huck is the friend of the black man you can tell he is not even using the word in an offensive way. Pitts is absolutely correct when he mentions that popular artists these days that kids(the age that would be reading the book)have acces to cuss in the same way. I also agree with lindsay's because it is not fair to the author to edit his work after you have wanted permission to produce it, you clearly thought it was a wonderfull peice of literature. I agree with Mr. Matthew Teeters also that people should "grow up and learn to handle the words." If they are our age and can't handle it, their are measures that can be taken to avoid those people. For exaple doing a different project. You could also have a censored and uncensored version like LIzzy and Natalie said. -Ryan Duever
I think censoring Huck Finn is a bad idea. It takes away from a wonderful creation, a master piece. When Mark Twain wrote this novel he intended it to be funny not offensive. Also, when Twain wrote this they were different times, and what has happened is the past and you shouldn't change it. I also agree with Mac N. Huck Finn's speech is a very important factor, it characterizes him in a specific way. I also agree with Chance T., kids aren't the only people who read this timely classic. Kids will learn to handle words like so and they will grow-up. I also agree with Gabe K., it changes the characters point of view of each other. Censoring Mark Twain's Huck Finn is not a good idea.
I do not believe Huck Finn should be censored. Changing the words of another author is unkind and certainly not needed. By now calling Jim a "runaway slave" and the word "Injun" being altered you are taking away from the novel. Even though some words used in Huck Finn are not currently being spoken today, that does not mean we have the right to simply change them. I also agree with Logan how he says censoring Huck Finn would take away some of the charm in the novel. Matthew also made a good point stating " People just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that before reading this book." It is your own choice to read this book and if you are offended by the language used in the novel then simply don't read it. Abby also made a very good point. The language Huck uses in the novel is crucial to his character development and character traits. Another reason why they should not censor Huck Finn is because the language used in the novel helps you establish the setting/time period. So, as you can see censoring Huck Finn would not be a very smart decision!
Huck Finn should definately not be censored. It was historically correct and accurately reflects society back then. Some people might even be more offended if Huck Finn was changed because it would "whitewash" how things actually were at that time. I agree with Connor that it would cause ignorance of our true history if the book was censored. I also agree with Mikey, the N word was acceptable back then and speech is a main part in how you characterize someone. I totally agree with Gabe, it is better to hear the N word in its historical context so it can be discussed and understood why it would be offensive in this day and age.
I agree with Isabella's first thought when she says that changing the words would take away from the novel. I also think that Mac made a great point, saying that the words that Huck uses charactorize him as his own personality. Lastly, I agree with Shea when he said that the words spoken in the book shows what life was really like back then. (I already wrote my opinion above)
I agree with Gabe S. when he says, "I especially agree with the following statement:'artist's attempt to share what is in his or her soul. The audience is free to accept or reject those choices.'" because i think this is a really good point and we should not edit what the author uses because that is how they wanted the language to be. I also think Lizzy makes a good point though when she says "I believe that Huck Finn should be censored. I don’t, however, think that they should stop publishing uncensored versions." I think if they did censor it they should at least keep selling the uncensored version. I also agree with Lauren G.'s point of it helping you with the STEAL method. I think that you can develop a better understanding of a character's personality by hearing the language they use(speech).
I do not think that Huck Finn should be censored. It was made with some words that are considered not appropriate in todays world, but that's part of the book. These words create characters and express emotions, without them the great American novel would just not be the same. I agree with Natalie that there should be a censored version for those who cannot handle an American classic. Also if my facts are correct Amendment number 3 clearly states the following: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Therefore Mr. Mark Twain has the right to print whatever he wants.
I do not think Huck Finn should be censored. Huck Finn is a historical novel and what might be an insult or an offending action today was not considered inappropriate back then. Also, Mark Twain was an artist and like Mr.Pitts said, we can tell an artist what color to use or what to paint. Huck Finn is a work of art and should not be changed in any way.
I also agree with Lindsey, Wyatt and L.A. I thought Lindsey was right when she said "speech is a part of STEAL and the language used describes the characters and the time period they are in" because M.T was using historical language and it was wrong to censor it. Also, wyatt said the same thing when he said it reflects that time in history. lastly, i agree with la when she says " It takes away from a wonderful creation, a master piece.".
I agree with Wyatt when he said that it shows that time in our country's history. I also agree with LA when she said "It takes away from a wonderful creation." It would be taking away from a masterpiece.
I don't think Huck Finn should be censored. The words that are used reflect how people thought back then. If this is censored then some of the message might be lost in translation, therefore messing up the entire book. People just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that before reading this book.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Matthew, Huck Finn should not be censored. This is because the words were chosen specifically to create Huck Finn's character. If people do not like to read books with this language, then they should not read it. The language in Huck Finn gives readers an idea of how people in the past spoke.
ReplyDeleteHuck Finn, or any book for that matter, should not be censored. It's just a word, and words can't hurt us, right? "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." I agree with Matthew completely when he says people just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that. We are going to encounter them enough in our lifetime, there is no use in "hiding" them from us.
ReplyDeleteHuck Finn should definitely not be censored. It would be outrageous to do this. The author used the words appropriate at that time. I especially agree with the following statement:"artist's attempt to share what is in his or her soul. The audience is free to accept or reject those choices". If teachers don't want their students to experience the "N" word or any other so called explicit language then they shouldn't assign it to their students. It would also be better to encounter a "bad" word in a safe environment such as school and be able to discuss it instead of encountering it when it is used as a derogatory term. The more that these words are shunned and shown to be "bad" the more negative power they have. If the topic of this explicit language was discussed in a safe environment and not used in other places, then it would just become a word that people used in the past. i agree with chance that we are going to encounter these words in our lifetime and there is no use hiding them. I agree with Matthew that the words are used to reflect how people thought back then. Lastly, I agree with Donna on the fact that if people do not like to read books with this language then they shouldn't read it.
ReplyDelete"Huck Finn" should not be censored. In the steal method, speech is very important. Huck's words are one of the many things that build his personality. Without cursing, there would be a missing piece to Huck Finn's character. If this classic novel was altered in any way, it would no longer be a classic. Why does this story of Huck Finn need to be changed? Kids will eventually encounter (if they have not already)language portrayed in this book in real life. The public needs to accept the book the way it is, or just simply not read it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Huck Finn should not be censored. The words expressed and used in Huck Finn were the appropriate words at the time. In modern society today, we are probably using words that will not be accepted in future societies. If authors wrote those words into books and in the future some people want to take them out, we would not want them to edit our time period. When an author uses words that the modern time does not use, the reader becomes more wrapped up in the book because the language and slang used (like in STEAL, Speech matters) from a past time period helps you to really be captivated by the time. For example, a Prine from the 1600s would not say something like "sup." He would probably say something more like, "Good day." I agree with Chance when he says that reading words won't hurt you as long as that language is not used.
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ReplyDeleteI believe that Huck Finn should not be censored. The words in this book show how they talked at that time period. I think kids need to understand how they talked and how we have changed. If we censored the language, it would be like censoring history, and I think that we need to know our history no matter how cruel it was. These words also describe and make Huck the way we see him when we read.
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ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Pitts. I think Mr. Twain wasn't trying to discriminate a certain race but instead use the language of that was used in the area and time of the great Huck Finn. As Mr. Pitts said, " We do not need to sugarcoat history", not only will these new censored books block a certain word that should never be spoken or written in this time but it also changes the book's view of Joe which will greatly decrease to his character and also how the relationship of Huck and him is seen. Even though some words in the story shouldn't be used in this time it doesn't mean we should remove them from history.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Mr. Pitts is absolutely right. Such a wonderful classic like Huck Finn should not be tarnished by the guilt of Americans today. Back when Huck Finn was written the "n-word" was a commonly used word and so it was normal for anyone to call a black slave that word. It may show our dark history, but we cannot just cover up our mistakes as a country by trying to fix the problems back then, now. This act of censorship is a disgrace to the african american people here today. Just because some readers cannot handle the word, doesn't mean that they must blot out this crucial part in American history. It is almost like denying any bad thoughts of the black slaves back before slavery was abolished. I am not saying that the "n-word" should be used today, but that it was the common word used back when Huck Finn was written. This is why I agree with Mr. Pitts.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Pitts and think that they should not alter the words in "Huck Finn". The words they used back then such is the "n" word were not used as a derogatory term like they are used today. Therefore they should be allowed. Also, if school districts feel that those words should not be used then they can not have that book in their curriculum. I agree with Gabe when he said that it's better if students are exposed to the words in a safe environment. And I like what mac said about how everyone will eventually be exposed to "bad" words. And I agree with Lauren when she said that Speech is a big part of the "Steal" method and important to that time period.
ReplyDeleteMr. Pitts is absolutely correct. I believe that we should not censor Huck Finn. Extending the ever growing bubble of ignorance that plagues the modern age is a cause that we shouldn't contribute to. Altering this wonderful classic is a violation of the author and his work. Using the words that are historically accurate to that time period is something that greatly enhances the originality of the text.We need to educate our children of their country's accurate past. I strongly agree with Eli's post, and second his thoughts. I agree with Chance that words can't hurt us. I also agree with Gabe Safier's post that if teachers or parents don't like whats in the book, don't assign it for the kids to read. Go Leonard!
ReplyDeleteI agree with Connor; changing the history of Huck Finn disturbs the author and the productions he has made. I also agree with Sadie; if we censored the language used back then, students and people would not know what the society of the past was like.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Connor that ignorance plaues or modern societies. I also agree with Mr. Safier in that it is someone's choice to read something so if they don't agree with it they don't have to read it. I finally agree with Chance in the sense of sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.
ReplyDeleteI agree with not censoring Huck Finn. I kind of understand why they want to censor it, but as doing that there are things that will change a lot. I feel like changing the words originally used is like changing the past. If they think it's bad for their kids then just don't read it. I agree with Donna that it shows the culture back then. I strongly agree with Conner how it is hurting the author and his work. I also agree with Mac that his speech build up his character.
ReplyDeleteI can see how many like the idea of censoring Huck Finn however, I believe that this classic story should not be censored. Many reasons help to substantiate this, one being the fact that the explicit language used through out the book is used only to give the readers an idea of what the time period in which the events of the book took place. It also helps the readers use characterization methods such as STEAL. One can identify what the character is like just by looking through their dialogue. I agree with Gabe Koreman in the fact that not what happened in the past might not be relevant in the future but that doesn't mean we should get rid of it. I also agree with Chance and that it all matters how students take the bad language. Lastly, I agree with Sadie. We should know what history was like even though it was cruel. These are just a few of the reasons I think Huck Finn should not be censored
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with everything Mr. Pitts wrote in his editorial; Huck Finn should not be censored. The novel was written in a time period in which it was acceptable to call Africans that word. However, if it was written today, the author obviously would have used a more time-appropriate word. But it was the authors choice, and it is not the public's decision to make. The explicit language in the timeless novel is crucial to the characterization of Huck. Speech is a very important aspect of "STEAL", and the style of Huck's speaking aids the reader in knowing when the story occurred. I am totally against sugar-coating the past, I think that the audience deserves to know the truth. It is their choice to accept it, or reject it. No one is forcing them to read it. On Connor's comment I agree with everything, especially when he mentions that altering the language would decrease the text's originality. I also agree with Lily's statement about how appropriate language is different for different time periods. On Donna's statement, I l agree with her when she said that you aren't forced to read it, and that it is the readers choice whether they are going to accept the past, or try to hide it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Huck Finn should be censored. I don’t, however, think that they should stop publishing uncensored versions. I understand Eli’s point, “Such a wonderful classic like Huck Finn should not be tarnished by the guilt of Americans today” and there is value in the uncensored version. I think that there should be an option to buy either book depending on the age level of the reader. For younger children, parents or teachers who may feel uncomfortable with the language in the original, a censored version would allow children to enjoy the classic literature without offensive language. I disagree with Chance’s “sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never harm me.” I think that little children would be scarred for life if they read a book that wasn’t intended for their age level. Buying a book should be like buying a song, you should have the choice of purchasing the clean version or the original.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Huck Finn should not be censored. Why would anyone want to censor an American classic just to "fit in" with the times. If you really have such a strong urge to not have the "N" word in stories than maybe just don't assign those books to students if you're a teacher or not allow you're kids to read it. Huck Finn is kind of a glimpse into the past and taking out some of the language is almost denying that the in the past things were different and people talked differently. I agree with Conner about how censoring the book is harming the author's work. I also agree with Abby because people in the past used the "N" word and that was accepted back then so why change it. I also disagree with Lizzy because the language in this book is what was normal and parents and teachers would never assign this to students young enough to be "scarred for life", and classic literature is classic for a reason and censoring it would take away from that.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with Gabe S.'s comment. If teachers dont want their students to read the n word then they can choose to not assign the book. I also agree with Lizzie. To just clear up the problem there should be one censored and one non-censored version of the book. Finally, I agree with Connor J. The bubble of ignorance surrounding America will just grow stronger if we totally get rid of the original Huck Finn.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with Mr. Pitt's view, in that "Huck Finn" should not be censored. "Huck Finn" is a timely classic, that displays an era in American history. By using the word in the book, Mark Twain was trying to paint that era and make the story come alive. In the book Mark Twain was not trying to hurt people, he was just showing the world what life was like. By censoring this book, America is trying to rewrite its history. Teachers should just address the word, as if it were any other and focus more on the elements and theme of Mark Twain's writing. I agree with Lizzy's point, on the fact that people should have a choice between a clean and original version. I also disagree with her point because people shouldn't be afraid of a word, they should just accept it and not make a big deal out of it. I agree with Abby's comment, on how the words Mark Twain used were crucial to Huck's character development. I agree with her comment because without the word choices the author specifically makes, the audience never has a full understanding of who the character really is. Lastly, I agree with Conner's point, on the fact that censoring an author's work is a violation of them and their work of literature. I agree with his point because if an author chooses to write a story his/her way, you should respect their decision and not alter anything. These are just some of they many points on why "Huck Finn" should not be censored.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Huck Finn should be censored. It's not fair to all of the people that are affected by the language to have to endure that. I think the main problem here is that it is a required read at many schools and children are being forced to read things that hurt them. If it wasn't required, then it would be okay to have it uncensored, because then people could use their discretion to determine if they could handle the language used in it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Lizzy that there should be a censored and uncensored version of the book. If there were two versions, then people could read it without being emotionally affected and others could read it without losing the historical aspect the language gives to the story.
I also agree with Eli that we can't cover up how the past used to be or pretend it never happened. But I think that censoring the book is to protect people from harm now.
I don't think they are doing it to try to change the past or ruin the book.
I don't agree with Chance when he says "Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Actions and words both speak very loudly, but words can affect people immensly. The words in Huck Finn can hurt people, just as a sad part in a book, if written well, can move some readers to tears.
Wednesday, October 05, 2011 10:32 AM
ReplyDelete"Huck Finn" should not be censored. In the steal method, speech is very important. Huck's words are one of the many things that build his personality. I agree with Shea. A person's words demonstrate how people spoke back then and what was considered okay to say. Without cursing, there would be a missing piece to Huck Finn's character. I agree with Connor. If this classic novel was altered in any way, it would be a violation of the author and his work and it would no longer be a classic. Why does this story of Huck Finn need to be changed? Kids will eventually encounter (if they have not already)language portrayed in this book in real life. I agree with Charlie, words can't hurt us. The public needs to accept the book the way it is, or just simply not read it.
I agree with Connor; altering the work of the author is wrong. Huck Finn is a historical book and it shouldn't be censored just because of bad words. Their speech demonstrates how differently people spoke back then and what was considered okay.I also agree with Sadie; censoring the book would be hiding our true American history. I disagree with Natalie because censoring the book would be teaching kids the wrong thing. The words in the book are correct with that time period. We should not alter them to fit our time period better because that is altering history itself.
ReplyDeleteI think Huck Finn shouldn't be censored. The words they used in the story show the time period. Without these words, you don't get a good image of the setting/time period. We know never to used those words, so they shouldn't be offensive since the author isn't directly speaking to the reader. I agree with Abby that back then the N word was acceptable and that this language is crucial to characterization. I also agree with Andrew that if people have such a strong dislike to reading the N word, the teachers just shouldn't assign it.
ReplyDeleteI believe that Mr. Pitts is absolutely correct in his analysis of the Huck Finn controversy. The book should not be changed from its original format because it will not be reflecting the language used in that time. It is a part of history and we shouldn't try to change history.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. M. Teeters in the fact that "People just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that before reading this book." If you aren't able to handle the bad words, then don't read it!
I agree with Mr. E. Koreman when he said "It may show our dark history, but we cannot just cover up our mistakes as a country by trying to fix the problems back then, now." We cannot change the past, so just move on!
I also agree with Mr. S. Wells when he says "Censoring the book would be hiding our true American history and teaching kids the wrong thing." You shouldn't try to hide your past, you live in the present and you have no control over history.
I don't think the book Huck Finn should be censored. It's not fair to the author to have his work be altered or edited in any way. The book's language may be not what we use currently, but that doesn't give us the right to edit a book because of a word that kids are going to eventually hear anyway. I disagree with Natalie, though. Some people may be hurt by the word used, but it's not like the book is the only place they are going to hear it. I agree with Lauren when she says that speech is a part of STEAL and the language used describes the characters and the time period they are in. However, I do agree with Lizzy when she says that people should have a choice in whether they read the censored or uncensored version. That is a great way to settle disputes on whether it should be censored or not. I believe that Huck Finn should not be censored due to the way a word was used back when the book was written. But, like Lizzy, I do think it would be helpful to have a censored and uncensored version for people on either side of the argument.
ReplyDelete(Continued from above) I also agree with Lauren G.'s point of it helping you with the STEAL method. I believe that if the teacher feels like the students are ready for that kind of material then they can buy the uncensored version.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe that Huck Fin should be censored. Altering the work of Mark Twain would take part of the spirit out of the book. Using the language of the time creates the mood and setting in the book. Also, it would be too wordy to replace words with "the African American boy" or "that man who is of decent of the native Americans named Joe". I believe that it is a book and that if you are too immature to read it then you shouldn't read it and that if it were censored it would still be to deep or confusing for you. I agree with Shea, Sadie, GabeK, and EliK in that is is wrong to censor history. History is history and it is the past that cannot be changed.
ReplyDeleteHuck Finn's words should not be censored. The words used are necessary for the setting of the story. Also, becuase Huck is the friend of the black man you can tell he is not even using the word in an offensive way. Pitts is absolutely correct when he mentions that popular artists these days that kids(the age that would be reading the book)have acces to cuss in the same way. I also agree with lindsay's because it is not fair to the author to edit his work after you have wanted permission to produce it, you clearly thought it was a wonderfull peice of literature. I agree with Mr. Matthew Teeters also that people should "grow up and learn to handle the words." If they are our age and can't handle it, their are measures that can be taken to avoid those people. For exaple doing a different project. You could also have a censored and uncensored version like LIzzy and Natalie said.
ReplyDelete-Ryan Duever
I think censoring Huck Finn is a bad idea. It takes away from a wonderful creation, a master piece. When Mark Twain wrote this novel he intended it to be funny not offensive. Also, when Twain wrote this they were different times, and what has happened is the past and you shouldn't change it. I also agree with Mac N. Huck Finn's speech is a very important factor, it characterizes him in a specific way. I also agree with Chance T., kids aren't the only people who read this timely classic. Kids will learn to handle words like so and they will grow-up. I also agree with Gabe K., it changes the characters point of view of each other. Censoring Mark Twain's Huck Finn is not a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe Huck Finn should be censored. Changing the words of another author is unkind and certainly not needed. By now calling Jim a "runaway slave" and the word "Injun" being altered you are taking away from the novel. Even though some words used in Huck Finn are not currently being spoken today, that does not mean we have the right to simply change them. I also agree with Logan how he says censoring Huck Finn would take away some of the charm in the novel. Matthew also made a good point stating " People just need to grow up and learn to handle words like that before reading this book." It is your own choice to read this book and if you are offended by the language used in the novel then simply don't read it. Abby also made a very good point. The language Huck uses in the novel is crucial to his character development and character traits. Another reason why they should not censor Huck Finn is because the language used in the novel helps you establish the setting/time period. So, as you can see censoring Huck Finn would not be a very smart decision!
ReplyDeleteHuck Finn should definately not be censored. It was historically correct and accurately reflects society back then. Some people might even be more offended if Huck Finn was changed because it would "whitewash" how things actually were at that time. I agree with Connor that it would cause ignorance of our true history if the book was censored. I also agree with Mikey, the N word was acceptable back then and speech is a main part in how you characterize someone. I totally agree with Gabe, it is better to hear the N word in its historical context so it can be discussed and understood why it would be offensive in this day and age.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Isabella's first thought when she says that changing the words would take away from the novel. I also think that Mac made a great point, saying that the words that Huck uses charactorize him as his own personality. Lastly, I agree with Shea when he said that the words spoken in the book shows what life was really like back then. (I already wrote my opinion above)
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gabe S. when he says, "I especially agree with the following statement:'artist's attempt to share what is in his or her soul. The audience is free to accept or reject those choices.'" because i think this is a really good point and we should not edit what the author uses because that is how they wanted the language to be. I also think Lizzy makes a good point though when she says "I believe that Huck Finn should be censored. I don’t, however, think that they should stop publishing uncensored versions." I think if they did censor it they should at least keep selling the uncensored version. I also agree with Lauren G.'s point of it helping you with the STEAL method. I think that you can develop a better understanding of a character's personality by hearing the language they use(speech).
ReplyDeleteI do not think that Huck Finn should be censored. It was made with some words that are considered not appropriate in todays world, but that's part of the book. These words create characters and express emotions, without them the great American novel would just not be the same. I agree with Natalie that there should be a censored version for those who cannot handle an American classic. Also if my facts are correct Amendment number 3 clearly states the following: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." Therefore Mr. Mark Twain has the right to print whatever he wants.
ReplyDeleteLizzy and Ryan also posted about having two versions of the book, so I am inclined to agree with them
ReplyDeleteI do not think Huck Finn should be censored. Huck Finn is a historical novel and what might be an insult or an offending action today was not considered inappropriate back then. Also, Mark Twain was an artist and like Mr.Pitts said, we can tell an artist what color to use or what to paint. Huck Finn is a work of art and should not be changed in any way.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Lindsey, Wyatt and L.A. I thought Lindsey was right when she said "speech is a part of STEAL and the language used describes the characters and the time period they are in" because M.T was using historical language and it was wrong to censor it. Also, wyatt said the same thing when he said it reflects that time in history. lastly, i agree with la when she says " It takes away from a wonderful creation, a master piece.".
ReplyDeleteI agree with Wyatt when he said that it shows that time in our country's history. I also agree with LA when she said "It takes away from a wonderful creation." It would be taking away from a masterpiece.
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