Earlier this week in AIS, we read an article on an NPR news blog about a new version of Mark Twain's classic book Adventures of Huckleberry Finn that is going to be published. It is going to replace every instance of the "n-word" with "slave". You can read the whole article here.
I personally do not believe that this is the right thing to do. Yes, the n-word is a very offensive word, but one must remember why it is in the book in the first place. Mr. Twain made his characters use this word for a reason. It is a source of irony in the book, as well as it reflects on culture in America during that time. Taking it out would make the book lose some of its power and meaning. For me, at least, "slave" brings out less emotion in me than the "n-word", thus, when Mr. Twain uses the use of this word to describe a flaw in our society, it would not seem as powerful.
Speaking of power, I would like to relate this to Kanye West's latest album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy. Upon first listen, you notice a few things. First, this album sounds completely different from any other rap album you've ever heard. Musically, it is much more intricate and complex, and it just sounds amazing. Second, you notice just how offensive the lyrics are - and how many swears they contain.
However, Mr. West is using these words for the exact same reason that Twain is using them. Kanye is a great lyricist, and the album truly just feels like poetry set to a great beat. If these words weren't in the song, the song would not only lose its impact, but also its meaning. He, as well as Twain, uses irony to bring to light what he is actually feeling. Just listen to the song "Power", and then tell me that those lyrics had no use being in the song.
Interestingly enough, nobody has even talked about censoring Kanye, but people will change a book which is truly a classic just so kids can read it without their parents having to worry about what it says? Just something to think about.
Jon,
ReplyDeleteI think this is a really interesting blog post. Like you, I am a huge fan of Kanye's new album. When I first heard the album I was shocked at the "offensive" lyrics. But then I realized that was the point. Just like in Huckleberry Finn, the words themselves were used to create immediate impact and emotional response from the reader. I feel by removing these words the book will lose the weight that the "n-word" carries and thus the intent of Mark Twain to use them in the novel.
I agree that Huck Finn shouldn't be censored. The fact that other famous and prominent media groups are not censored makes me frustrated. Why should a book that is possibly the most classic book in American history be changed when new songs aren't? Shouldn't our children and the next generations learn from Huck Finn just as we are now? I think we need to show that Huck Finn will build up lives and educate, not tear down, even when educating about the "n-word".
ReplyDeleteJon,
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. The great thing about Kanye, is that he pushes the envelope with his lyrics and music style. That's what makes him so different and interesting. Twain does the same thing with the words he chooses to write. If Twain is censored, the book loses its purpose, because the n-word that Twain deliberately uses, will be taken away and changed in a way that Twain did not intend it for. It's also interesting how no one has thought to censor or taint Kanye's music, only Twains's book.
I have to disagree, respectfully. So long as the censored version is advertised as such, I see no difference then just coming out with another, less authentic, edition. I agree fully that a reader can only truely reap the benefits of this Classic by reading the original, N-word and all, but if someone chooses to read a different version, who is to stop them? If the original remains true to its form, then hey- it's a free country. It being a free country, I am going to continue to read the original, non censored, Huck Finn :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting take -- and so glad you like the album as much as I do! How else does power work in these artists' work?
ReplyDelete