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Censorship has been around since the ancient times, although it became more popular in the Middle Ages when books became more and more common. The church has been censoring books since the time after its persecution. It banned books about superstition and those written by opposing individuals to the church, such as Arius and his book Thalia. (New advent) Censorship today is a way for parents and teachers of kids to regulate the reading material of those they are associated with, but is it always right? Those who censor the books obviously think so. They believe they are protecting their children and students from harsh language, crude humor, violence, or for religious reasons. Parents and teachers across the nation have censored The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Of Mice and Men for similar reasons.
These people need to see the bigger picture. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Of Mice and Men should not be censored because they teach the history of our nation, valuable outlooks on life, and the value of having a family. It is easy to see why parents may be alarmed at certain material in each book, but in most cases the language is used in good historical context, and is not intended to insult anyone. For example: usage of the word nigger has been extremely criticized by many people.
In fact it is one of most popular reasons for censorship of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. (Online books) The word can be seen numerous times on page five, but it is not trying to make fun of the African American race. It is merely historical dialogue. This is the way that common people spoke in this time. On page three when Jim is referred to as Miss Watsons big nigger, it is only stating exactly what anyone in that time period would have said. This does not make the word acceptable for use today, but it was back then. Along with unsuitable language for kids, Of Mice and Men was challenged for its views on the life of a mentally challenged person, the dialect used to represent a mentally challenged individual, and sexual comments throughout the book. (Online books) On page fifty-six, this phrase was said, George, how longs it gonna be till we get that little place an live on the fatta the lan an rabbits?
This is not intended to make fun of mentally challenged people, it is only adding to the story. Without the use of good dialogue, this story would not be the highly esteemed book that it is. People who censor these books are the ones who are taking from the learning experience that they want their kids to receive. Library committees and parents are among the leading challengers. The concord library banned The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn from its library shortly after it was published. They said it was because of the use of the word nigger.
How can kids learn about other cultures and other peoples views if they can not read the books. Parents should see the bigger picture and lessons trying to be taught throughout these books. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn teaches the value of having a family. Huck is seen as a mischievous boy who has no boundaries and is always getting into trouble.
Could this be because he does not have a father and mother who care for him? It is very possible. A lot of the criminals today come from families without both a father and a mother. This story also teaches about how one should judge a man by his or character, not the color of his or her skin. Huck finds a good friendship with Jim and he was a black slave. That was unheard of for that time.
There are many good lessons to learn in Of Mice and Men as well. This book also teaches about the importance of having someone who cares. Friendship is a beautiful thing to have. The friendship that George and Lennie had was unique. Not a lot of people would do for Lennie what George did.
Students can learn a lot of moral lessons from this theme alone. George looked past Lennie's problems and saw the good in him inside. More people should have the same kind of heart that George had. For these reasons alone, these books should not be banned from any school library. There are too many values that can be learned in these books, and kids should have the right to explore the different views of each book for themselves. There should be alternative forms of censoring that should take place in the school system.
Each school should send home a list of the books that they are going to teach during the school year and it will be up to the parents to teach their views on the books first. The parents should not be able to ban the books, but they can educate their children however they choose to before the books are read in class. This way the children are exposed to all different kinds of viewpoints and cultures in a controlled environment. According to a list set up by the ALA, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn and Of Mice and Men are the 5 th and 6 th most challenged books of 1990 to 2000. This tells me that a lot of kids are missing out on a great book written by some of the great authors of our time. A select group of individuals should not be able to decide what and what not people are to read.
Readers should make that decision for themselves. Judy Bloom sums up everything that was stated above with this simple quote. Its not just the books under fire now that worry me. It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read. And all due to the fear of censorship.
As always, young readers will be the real losers.
Free research essays on topics related to: adventures of huckleberry finn, parents and teachers, mice and men, mentally challenged, word nigger
Research essay sample on Censorship In Huckleberry Finn And Of Mice Men
