Mature folk see past ‘N’ word in ‘Huck Finn’

So, old “Huck Finn” is still being roasted. If I got upset about something and could only get a handful of people to back me up as I parade in front of a public building holding up large signs containing the “N” word or some other word which I choose to let offend me will I get a two-page story in the newspaper? I hope not.

As I read the article, it occurred to me that the only people who were using the infamous “N” word were the very people who want to see the use of this word banished from the face of the earth. (I notice Webster still thinks it is a commonly enough used word to have in the dictionary.) I wonder, if we take a black marker pen and cover up all 200 times the dreaded “N” word appears in the book, would this then make it acceptable reading material in the eyes of the objectors. Or, if the book were republished using “—–” or “bleep” where this word originally was printed, would these folk still be offended? I would hope that it is not the very story of the adventure of these two people which is offensive to some folk.

As was stated in the article, the words Mark Twain used were the words used in that time in history and nothing can change that. I think mature reasonable people should be able to see past the author’s choice of words as it is a very fine adventure story which reminds me, and many others, I am sure, of their youth as it was, or as they wish it was.

As for me, as they say, “I’ve got bigger fish to fry.” Gee, I hope that doesn’t offend anyone.

Norm Abrahamson

Renton