I recently read an article about the N-word in the book Huckleberry Finn talking about how the new, censored version-which is rapidly taking over on school reading lists. This new version replaces the the word "nigger" with the word "slave". It is hotly debated whether or not the original version should be read to kids or not. Some say kids should not be exposed to the word; others say the word is more hurtful if you don't use it.I am inclined to believe the latter group; I believe that profanity is more meaningful the less you use it.
Another issue with censoring the word is that it takes away from the meaning of the book. During the time period that the book was set in , it was the word everybody used. And it's not like it goes unsaid today, either- most black people call themselves and each other that. It also changes the meaning of the word itself- "slave" is a condition while "nigger" refers to the entire race.
I agree with you Daniel. I also feel that profanity is more meaningful the less you use it, as long it somewhat fits the context. I also believe that the censorship of this book is debatable considering the fact that is classical literature, and the word nigger wasn't seen as totally rude back then.
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