The decision to ban the novel Huckleberry Finn from classrooms and libraries is an ongoing controversy. The presence of the “n” word and the treatment of Jim, and other black people in general, made many readers uncomfortable. Despite this, Huckleberry Finn was and remains a classic read. I don't think the novel should be banned or sanitized because it's part of American history, good or bad, nor do we have the right to change anyone's writing. one simply because we don't like the way it's written, Mark Twain's writing should. not to be penalized because of today's ideals. Sanitizing Huckleberry Finn would mean ignoring America's past and history. Revising the original version of the book does not stay true to the time period in which Twain was writing. The language of the book depicts America's past (Rawls 1). The language used is appropriate for this specific time period. People wouldn't have referred to slaves or African Americans in any other way. Editing Huckleberry Finn and changing the racial slurs would tilt the novel in a more fictional direction. Erasing racial labels does not erase race or racism. Wanting the world to be less racist doesn't give anyone the right to change someone's writing. Being less racist would mean that the world could recognize words and their meanings as a sign of our evolution (Dawkins 1). It is a mistake to ignore the past simply because we do not know how to explain it. Much of the world's progress depends on solving problems and difficult situations. People have been reading "Huck Finn" and "Tom Sawyer" for over a century and that hasn't stopped us from evolving and moving beyond slavery and racism for the most part. Why should we all..... . middle of paper.. ....t" (Mullen 1). We must remember and recognize the fact that these young people are juniors and seniors ranging in age from 16 to 18 and in some cases halfway to legal adulthood. Students who read this novel can make decisions for themselves based on what they consider to be right or wrong. Reading Huckleberry Finn once in their literature class won't change anything. Huckleberry Finn should not be banned or sanitized because it is part of American history, good or bad, nor do we have the right to edit someone's writing just because we let's do it. Unlike how they are written, Mark Twain's writings should not be penalized because of today's ideals. If you find the book offensive, do not read or buy it. There are countless offensive books that people don't care about, but that doesn't mean we edit or rewrite them..