Adventures Of Huck Finn Essays (2318 words) - English-language Films

Adventures Of Huck Finn Ever since it was written, Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn has been a novel that many people have found disturbing. Although some argue that the novel is extremely racist, careful reading will prove just the opposite. In recent years especially, there has been an increasing debate over what some will call the racist ideas in the novel. In some cases the novel has even been banned by public school systems and censored by public libraries. The basis for the debate is how Jim, a black slave and one of the main characters, is depicted. However, if one was to look at the underlying themes in the novel, they would realize that it is not racist and could even be considered an anti ? slavery novel. The most popular problem people have with this book is the use of the word"nigger". It must be remebered that during this time period it was not considered much of an insullt. You can also notice in the book it was not meant offensively by Huck, or taken offensively by Jim. This is what Stephan Shepard had to say about the banning of the book and the use of the word "nigger": In addition to removing Mark Twain's novel from the required reading list, the district decided to use a censored version of the novel on its optional list. Admittedly, the censorship is minor the infamous "n-word" is deleted throughout the novel ? however, it is not only a dishonest alteration of Twain's craft, it is also an unfair attempt to enforce the tastes of a few upon all students in the district. (Shepard 1) Also a column in The New York Times pointed out, "Huckleberry Finn is in constant trouble with teachers, librarians and parents because of its iterations of "nigger", a word that has a preemptive force today that it did not have in Huck Finn's Mississippi Valley of the 1840s" (Ritter 2). Another aspect of the novel that some consider racist is the description of Jim. The first time the reader meets Jim, a very negative description is given. It is said that Jim is illiterate, childlike, not very bright and extremely superstitious. However, it is important not to lose sight of who is giving this description. Although Huck is not exactly a racist child, he has been raised by extremely racist individuals and has had certain ideas about blacks put in his head. Also, sad as it is, this description was probably pretty accurate for the time period. Millions of slaves in the South were not permitted any formal education, were not allowed any independent thought and were constantly abused. Twain is portraying a very realistic slave raised in the South during this time period, and to say that he is racist because of his historical accuracy is ridiculous. Casting judgment upon him and calling him racist is not only unfair, but also pointless. The values of Twain's time were different than the values of today. The very existence of slavery proves this. Twain has no obligation to live up to today's morals or ethical values, and cannot be expected to because they did not exist when he was alive. Therefore, the present-day objections to Huckleberry Finn are ridiculous. It is stupidity to go back and apply standards that are predominate today, to novels written more than a hundred years ago (Baldanza 2). Also, it is important to remember in Chapter 15, the reader is told of an incident which contradicts the original childlike description of Jim. In fact, the reader is presented with a very caring and father ? like individual who becomes very worried when he loses Huck in the fog (Twain 134). This is in order to point out the connection made between Huck and Jim. A connection that is made between two people, not a person and a piece of property. There are many points in the novel were Huck voices extreme opposition to the slave trade and racism. In chapter six, Huck's father intensely objects to the government granting suffrage to an educated black professor. Twain wants the reader to see the foolishness of this statement. Huck's father believes that he is superior to this black professor simply because of the color of his skin (Twain 69). Huck oppeses this statement made by his father and does not understand. Twain wants the reader to see the foolishness of this notion. Another example of Huck's opposition to slavery is when Huck first meets Jim he makes a conscious decision not to

Cultural Relativism Vs Universal Childrens Rights essays

Cultural Relativism Vs Universal Childrens Rights essays Cultural Relativism Vs Universal Childrens Rights Even though most moral codes are linked to cultural We cannot deny that cultural differences are real and are important in analyzing and judging cases, but cultural relativism taken to the negative extreme can be hurtful, cruel and violating to the universal laws of childrens rights. I. Cultural relativism says that good and bad are related to culture. What is "good" is what is "socially approved" in a culture and society. What is normal is what is shown to us in society, be it good or bad to others of another society. For example an Indian man may think that the color white is a sign of death and a widow would have to wear that after her husband is deceased, while in other cultures, white is the color of a brides dress. Cultural relativists see other cultures, not as "wrong," but as "different." I believe that cultural relativists believe in live and let live, but yet human nature is to judge and compare. Therefore it is important to have a universal law that defines right from wrong. In some countries, we cannot control the social behaviors. In certain cases, we, the other society has to let the certain culture survive as long as it does not affect other cultures in extreme. Universal Children rights, this is the one unbiased true and valid code that applies to every nation around the world. There are some cultures ignorant to the fact. This is argued by some. Alison Renteln argues that there cannot be one universal law, but that there has to be cross cultural universals bridging the positive cultures together. The challenge before the human rights movement is to involve methods where the positive cultures points are inter-tied with human rights norms. This is especially the case in countries with mixed cultures, as in the...

Pornography Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Pornography - Essay Example On the other hand there are those liberal feminists who support the role of pornography in modern society. They believe that pornography is supposed to give rise to sexual liberation and allows women to openly show their sexual desires and wants in modern society by emphasizing the importance of sexually active women. These liberal feminists also affirm strongly that any type of censorship against the pornography would be prejudicial to the rights of women who have been traditionally discriminated against men. There are a wide range of definitions of pornography and many are disputed by these groups. However for the purpose of this essay the definition by Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary is taken as, â€Å"the depiction of erotic behavior (as in pictures or writing) intended to cause sexual excitement† (Merriam-Webster, 2012). The above-mentioned definition is wider and encompasses various forms of erotic material, but it’s important to learn and discuss about the most prevalent and striking forms of pornography within the modern society, whether it be erotic literature, internet porn videos and pictures or any other media. While pornography offers both genders equal opportunities to express their sexual needs, the basic thinking about how men and women experience sex differently is totally brushed aside. Besides only a little or no attention is given to the influential and authoritative role played by men in large porn industries, which is against the equal rights for men and women rule. In the recent years there has been a great development in the size and scale of porn industry through internet websites, magazines, books, and newspapers. Pornographic material and erotic literature is gradually being accepted in various parts of the world and many cultures such as that of United Kingdom, European countries and that United States have accepted in as an integral part of