Politically Correct Version of "Huckleberry Finn" Released

Revised versions of the books "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" have been released by NewSouth Books with several big changes. The names of two characters are being changed. "Injun Joe" and "nigger Jim" will no longer appear in the books. Instead look for Joe and Jim as the new character names, without the any use of racial slurs.

Both books were published after the Civil War although they are set in the 1840's. The editor of the revised book, Alan Gribben, feels that the slurs used in the original versions detract from their popularity.

Questions Raised

Many school systems and libraries have banned the two books because they contain ethnic slurs. The release of the new version as a single volume, is supposed to get the books back into the schools. Does changing the names of the characters inadvertently change the overall tone and message of the books? If we remove all the books from schools and libraries that could be considered offensive to someone, somewhere, what type of book does it leave on the shelves? Even the Bible contains material that could be considered offensive.

Solutions

How about we leave the original verbiage and use these books to open a discussion on tolerance and equality. Take this as an opportunity to discuss with your students the power of words and that ethnic slurs do nothing but promote hate. When taken in context, both "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "Tom Sawyer" are wonderful teaching tools. Mark Twain did a fabulous job of pointing out the social injustices of his time, the same concepts can be applied to life in the 21^st century.

Although Huck refers to Jim using the "n-word," he considers him to be a friend. For those who do not remember the book, Huck makes the decision not to return his runaway slave friend, Jim, to the owner. Changing the wording of the book detracts from this powerful moment.

Discussion Points

Talk to the class or your children about racial slurs. Remind them that it is never acceptable to use these words and that doing so is hurtful and promotes hate. Discuss the following with your class and have them write about it:

Compare what was socially acceptable in the 1800's to what is socially acceptable now. Ask your students to talk about what has changed and what they feel is the same? Have the discussions both before and after reading the book.

Talk about Huckleberry Finn and how his views on Jim change throughout the book.

Ask your kids what message they think the author, Mark Twain, trying to convey? Was he successful in delivering his message? Why or why not?

Using the original versions of "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "Tom Sawyer" gives students a glimpse into the past. Mark Twain wrote about the culture of the 1800's along the Mississippi River. Changing his words to reflect modern day attitudes and values degrades his work and minimizes the author's message.

Sources: NewSouth Books, Inc. "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer"; edited by Alan Gribben.