One of my all-time favorite books is “To Kill a Mockingbird.” “Huckleberry Finn” didn’t make my top 10, but I understand its importance in American literature. Apparently the Duluth School District doesn’t. It’s taken both books off the required reading lists, allowing them in the schools but effectively banning them from the classroom.
Both authors were wonderful writers; both were also brave beyond belief. They wrote about racism and intolerance in eras when both were widely accepted. I don’t believe a poll has ever been taken asking people if either book changed their lives or helped them understand more about racism. But I know from personal experience both books, read as a young person, had a big impact on my thinking.
The Duluth School District doesn’t seem to think that’s important. Both books have been taken off the required reading list, hence “banned” from the classroom. It’s felt that students shouldn’t have to read them since both books use derogatory terms (unfortunately accurately depicted), and students shouldn’t be made to feel uncomfortable or marginalized.
Really? The fact that both books emphasize the goodness of people like Atticus Finch doesn’t mean anything? That Huckleberry Finn was deeply troubled by the evils of slavery doesn’t mean anything?
Apparently not. Other pieces of literature can be used to teach the same lesson, according to the curriculum director and instruction.
According to Duluth’s curriculum director, the district wants to ensure conversations about race are “discussed in a way that works for all students.” Come on – discussing racism in any situation is not going to be a pleasant walk through the tulips.
And, by the way, who decides what words are “offensive”?
I am chilled and frightened by this kind of thinking. Do we have freedom of speech in this country or not?
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