This week, public schools in Virginia Accomack County pulled two classic novels from their curriculum. Both are books that have historically faced criticism from parents of school children throughout the country because of the use of racial slurs in each of them.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and To Kill a Mockingbird, though set in two different time periods, both are written about times in history where the use of racial slurs were more acceptable and commonplace. Though the language is historically accurate, it is still harsh, and has resulted in backlash against the novels for years. The American Library Association’s Office for Intellectual Freedom reports that To Kill a Mockingbird is still among the most challenged classical novels, while simultaneously being considered one of the best and most influential novels of the 20th century.
In the past, the argument for keeping such novels in public school curriculum has been that the argument that the language is reflective of America’s history, even if the language makes them uncomfortable. History is still history, even when it is unpleasant to think about.
I won’t pretend to understand how it feels, to be an African American or biracial student reading a novel in school that so frequently uses racial slurs. Though the language made me uncomfortable when reading both these novels in high school, they have never been used to oppress me as a white female. I can never fathom or comprehend how students of colors experience novels such as these. The mother of this student does raise some concerns - is the language of these novels perhaps too strong and painful for young individuals, especially those of color? At a time in our nation where racial issues are taking a precedent in politics, do these sorts of novels simply hit too close to home? These are valid questions and they are worth asking.
However, it is important to remember the reason these novels were written and why they are still taught. Both were written about time periods where racism was commonplace and hauntingly normal. To Kill a Mockingbird tells the story white people previously unaware of and unaffected by racism being forced to recognize and confront the injustices in society. Huckleberry Finn, although potentially problematic in its characterization, also addresses the concept of a white person coming face to face with the fact that their society has clear differences in how it treats white people and people of color. I believe that these novels are still taught because even in the modern day, racism still exists. It is important for students to confront the racial issues presented in the novels alongside the ones in their everyday lives.
Young people deserve to have an accurate understanding of the tainted history that America has with racial injustice. Yes, most of the people reading these American novels would agree that using racial slurs is completely unacceptable. But how did we get to that point? After all, there was clearly a time when this rule was not understood by all. The truth is, it was achieved because of novels like this, which outlined the injustices in which America used; and in many ways still does operate under. Though sometimes painful, shielding young people from America’s past is detrimental. Reading things that make us angry, uncomfortable, and ashamed hurts - but it is important in moving us forward.
The concerns of this parent are valid and she has absolutely every right protect her child. But it is important that we all remember the real purpose of classic novels like To Kill a Mockingbird and Huckleberry Finn is not to further divide, but to educate in an effort to move forward.
