'Huckleberry Finn' pulled from classes after parent complains

The Lansing State Journal ^ | November 3, 2006 | AP

[Stoat]

'Huckleberry Finn' pulled from classes after parent complains

Associated Press

 

TAYLOR - Mark Twain's classic "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" has been pulled from high school classes after a parent of a black student complained that a teacher had students read portions aloud.

There is only one black child in the English class where the book, which contains racial slurs, was read aloud and acted out, The Detroit News reported Thursday.

The book will remain on the shelves at Taylor School District's high schools. The district's curriculum committee will recommend to the school board whether the book should have a future in district classrooms.

"We want to be sensitive to how the children feel," said Lynette Sutton, assistant superintendent for secondary instruction.

The 1880s novel about a white boy's first-person account of his adventures along the Mississippi River with a runaway slave named Jim has long been controversial because of its use of racial slurs and its representations of blacks and women.

[Jorge]

(snicker, chortle)

No. It's giggle, snicker!

[Jorge]

"You actually believe that children should read racial slurs in order to teach them not to make racial slurs."

Yes. But only in the right context. Huck Finn is such a context. Gangsta Rap isn't.

Best argument I've heard yet.

[Rembrandt_fan]

You wrote, "What's wrong with the way I've treated you?"

With contempt and condescension. You've been overtly, abrasively combative, with no need to be so. Certainly, this issue is hot-button with some, but you'll find most folks on this forum are like-minded on many or most issues.

I was taught the point of argument is to persuade--if not one's opponent, then those listening to or reading the argument. Even someone sympathetic to your point of view would be alienated by your tone.

Lighten up.

[Chena]

HINT: racial slurs, racial slurs, racial slurs, racial slurs.....yata yata yata

If you enjoyed the book, why do you not want others to read and learn from it?

[BurbankKarl]

It was really banned because Huck Finn was home schooled.

[Jorge]

No, your memory isn't necessarily better than mine. Apparently my memory holds more content, comprehension and intelligent, and yours holds only racial slurs. LOL

And "intelligent"?

What the hell kind of grammar is that?

You should at least learn to construct a simple sentence. LOL LOL.

[Stoat]

It was really banned because Huck Finn was home schooled.
 

And, as your post illustrates, he was a (((GASP!!!))))  GUN OWNER!!!

[dpa5923]

This so-called "parent" needs their ass kicked. This is America! We have a First Amendment. Mark Twain is America! So is Larry Flynt. Huck Finn is America! So is Hustler. This "parent" is a scumbag. This parent is wrong, but not for the reasons you think.

[Jorge]

Jorge, you might want to backtrack and read your own words....or eat them...whichever helps you get the meds down.

Thank you for reposting everything I've said in this thread.

Saves me the time of having to repeat it all to idiots who still don't get it.

P.S. My meds are better than yours.

[Rembrandt_fan]

You wrote, "You should at least learn to construct a simple sentence."

Oh, you mean a simple sentence like "Your post get first prize!"

All your base are still belong to us.

[Chena]

And "intelligent"? What the hell kind of grammar is that? You should at least learn to construct a simple sentence. LOL LOL.

I did correct myself, but you apparently didn't notice. Speed-reading is not your friend. LOL

Sentence structure is important. However, more valuable skills include reasoning capabilities and comprehension.

Jorge, may I ask how old you are?

[Jorge]

You wrote, "What's wrong with the way I've treated you?"

With contempt and condescension. You've been overtly, abrasively combative, with no need to be so.

It really hurts me, that you would say this about me.

You must be confusing me with somebody else.

I'm a nice person. Everbody likes me.

[Jorge]

All your base are still belong to us.

This is such an old, tired, worn-out FR cliche.

Can't you think of anything original?

[Chena]

Thank you for reposting everything I've said in this thread. Saves me the time of having to repeat it all to idiots who still don't get it. P.S. My meds are better than yours.

Your welcome, Jorge. Perhaps you could make it easier for the "idiots" who still don't "get it" by explaining exactly what your point is.

Finish this sentence, "I believe that the parent is right and that "Huckleberry Finn" should be banned from classrooms because ________________________."

By the way, I do believe you when you say that your meds are better than mine. Yours probably require a prescription or a trip downtown.

[Chena]

I'm a nice person. Everbody likes me.

Your friend, "Everybody", must be a very patient person.

[Jorge]

Finish this sentence, "I believe that the parent is right and that "Huckleberry Finn" should be banned from classrooms because ________________________."

Children should not have to read books with racial slurs as a part of their elementary education.

How many times do I have to type this before you understand?

[TLI]

The fact is, if there are racial slurs, it doesn't belong in a public school.

uhhh, it is a period piece written in the words and language of that time. You know, that history stuff. Full of those "fact" thingies. It is EXACTLY what belongs in u.S. public schools.

< /crayon > < /big chief >

[LexBaird]

It was really banned because Huck Finn was home schooled.

I contend it was because of the derogatory depiction of Finnish people. (Hey, if other people can jump to conclusions based on one word, so can I)

[Jorge]

Your friend, "Everybody", must be a very patient person.

Well you've been very patient with me.

[Jorge]

"The fact is, if there are racial slurs, it doesn't belong in a public school."

uhhh, it is a period piece written in the words and language of that time. You know, that history stuff. Full of those "fact" thingies. It is EXACTLY what belongs in u.S. public schools.

You must have not understood my post.

I SAID it DOESN'T BELONG.