Informal Huck Finn research response

In the article written by National Public Radio, it talks about how in the new versions of Huckleberry Finn, the "N" word is eliminated, and any negative references to Native Americans are also done away with. It goes on to give a few people's opinions on this action, and why the publishing companies are deciding to do this.

I found this aspect of the Huck Finn book to be a very interesting one. It's funny that I found this article too, because just the other day I was talking to one of my aunts (a former teacher) about how we're reading Huck Finn in class and her first question to me was..."are you reading the real version with the "n" word?...because that's how it was back then." Her comment at the time made me think about the disagreement that people have about whether or not children should be reading the version with the "n" word. Then, finding this article just made me think about it even more.

I am somewhat torn on the subject. Honestly, I think that using the word really adds to the legitimacy of the story, because it really does show how harsh and tough things were for African Americans back then. It is a strong reminder about the past of this country; one which we should never forget. On the other hand, however, I understand why people don't want kids reading it. First of all, we don't want kids thinking they can say it since it is written in their book. Also, for those who are African American, we don't want to offend them in any way. This is a very delicate subject, and one that has legitimate arguments for both sides. But now, at least having both versions allows the schools and teachers to determine which version they would like to teach.

Link to article:

http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2011/01/04/132652272/new-edition-of-huckleberry-finn-will-eliminate-offensive-words