Censorship in America

[Phoenix]

Yet again the American editors are taking to a classic piece of literature in order to "spread classics through a wider range of the public" by deleting material deemed offensive. http://napervillesun.suntimes.com/news/3189558-418/book-finn-students-twain-racism.html

As a future teacher, I do not plan on interfering with the original works. The words authors chose to use exhibits their time. If we keep editing works to appeal to the "modern" conscious, how will we perserve past culture and witness the growth (or not) of people?

[Moony]

I find this editing to be a ridiculous venture. If the reasoning is that they want the story to get out to more children, they've already got children adaptations of classic works out on the market. I mean, I discovered some of my favorites that way, such as Sherlock Holmes.

[Winifred]

Gizmo told me he'd also seen the above ridiculous suggestion. I agree with Phoenix and Moony, it's historically inaccurate and unsound reasoning - and, in the long run, will be meaningless.

However, if the powers that be persist, I've a suggestion: a half-breed be termed a muggle, and the N-word becomes a nuggle...:D :D

[Moony]

However, if the powers that be persist, I've a suggestion: a half-breed be termed a muggle, and the N-word becomes a nuggle...:D :D
Oh, I like this idea! ;)

[Winifred]

Here's an interesting viewpoint on the Huck Finn question, not sure I agree, but then I'm an old white female, not a young black male...: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/16/opinion/16moore.html?_r=1&hp

[Winifred]

If anyone wants to re-read, or read, Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain, this audiobook is a very fine version: http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Huckleberry-Finn-Mark-Twain/dp/1572701110/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
It's read by Patrick Fraley, who does a great job with the various voices.

[Moony]

I read this book at the age of eleven. That's too young to be reading "serious literature"?

[Jez]

It's as ridiculous as everyone walking around self-censoring by saying "the n-word"

Editing the book like this is pretty stupid.