the "N" word to be removed from Huck Finn

Best post in this thread.

 

I find it incredible that we should attempt to change the words of writers, especially great writers, in order that current generations can read something that is more palatable to the current readers or the current authority structure.
This seems so like "Thought Control" in which the government ,or other authority figure, makes the meaning "to fit" current thought. Who's current thought.
When a literary piece no longer meets current thought - Change It!
Now it's thought from 100 - 150 years ago. Perhaps in 50 years it will be thought from 20 years ago, or 10 or a month ago. This is scary stuff and I hope people will not fall into such an insidious trap.
As close to "1984" as a society can come with being there.

 

I just watched the remake of True Grit. Good job from the Coon, I mean Coen brothers I have to say!

In it they referred to having a "coon hunt" and there was racism shows toward native american people. They didn't change this from the original film.

That would be like re-making Blazin Saddles and changing the line to "the sherrif's a slave?"

 

If they're going to change Huck Finn than they need to stop being hypocritical and ban the word from being used by all rappers and black people in the media who currently use the word. Good luck...

 

That would seem to be the reasonable thing to do. Or lets find some creme of wheat words to use in songs - change them up too.
I think we should have a government agency to scrutinize all writings and lyrics and insert appropriate words. Hell, Just do away with most words, we don't need so many anyway.

 

The English Adherement Taskforce of International Translation, Or EAT IT for short...

 

Why are you talking like all other versions of the book are going to be burned and this new version will be the only one left? Stop being ridiculous.

 

You don't get it Odon. It's a matter of principal.

 

I don't find it ridiculous at all. At what point will we be unaware of which are original writings and which are compromised. Who is to say that book sellers will not be pressured by the government or right wing revisionist to sell the sanitized product. Shall we look in basements and old book stores to find original copies?
I know (or think) you have read "1984" and "Fahrenheit 451"
How can we begin traveling down this road without a whimper or a warning raised?
I am surprised by your "Don't Worry - Be Happy" - Every thing will be ok philosophy. I did not picture you as such.

 

What will we ever do without the word neighbor "

 

I'm not talking about your objection to this version.

To you : Who are "they"? why would "they" want to ban the word from being used by all rappers and black people in the media who currently use the word?

...To you and Ddoright:
A publisher is publishing another version of a book. Not wishing to remove all other versions or ban certain words from the world. The original version is still and will be available. Get it?

The foreword will be explaining why words were changed.
Don't drag this version into your conspiracy please.

I have read 1984 and know the ideas in Fahrenheit 451.
Neither is occuring.
Chill out. Why? Because the person wishing to make a new version is passionate about the original.

 

Any politically correct person or company that has enough influence to change something that needn't necessarily be changed.

If they're going to ban it from the book while all those other people use it, it not only defeats the purpose, but it tells kids that literature must be censored, idiots on tv don't need to be.

Banning it from a book while all those 'role models' in the media get away with saying it is wrong and sends a terrible message to children.

Is it okay for children and youth to be exposed to the word if it comes from the mouths of musicians but not from the pages of a book?

 

He's proving comic relief I believe;

'the "N" word to be removed from Huck Finn'

 

I expect the meaning of this will bounce right over some people's heads.... perhaps it will stick with them for a while til it sinks through though...

 

:wheelchair: I'm old - what can I say --

 

I'm surprised the Communist Manifesto hasn't been banned yet.

 

Oh right, a completely different argument.

 

Are you providing comic relief too?

 

How so? It is not a different argument. You asked me who "they" are and I answered. Don't ask a question if you're going to write off the answer.

Yes Odon, given the treatment of communism and communist countries over the last 60+ years I'm only kidding...