The decision to ban the novel Huckleberry Finn from classrooms and libraries has been an ongoing controversy. The presence of the “n” word and its treatment of Jim, and other blacks in general, made many readers uncomfortable. Despite this, Huckleberry Finn was and remains a classic read. I don't believe the novel should be banned or sanitized because it is part of American history, whether for better or worse, we also have no right to change someone's writing simply because we don't like how it is written, Mark Twain's writing should Don't be penalized because of today's ideals. To sanitize Huckleberry Finn would be to ignore America's past and history. Reviewing the original version of the book does not mean remaining faithful to the period in which Twain was writing. The language of the book describes America's past (Rawls 1). The language used is appropriate for this specific time period. People would not have referred to slaves or African Americans in any other way. Altering 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 who writes. Being less racist would mean that the world could recognize words and their meanings as a sign of how much we have evolved (Dawkins 1). It is wrong to ignore the past simply because we don't know how to explain it. Much of the progress in the world depends on the ability to deal with difficult problems and situations. People have been reading "Huck Finn" and "Tom Sawyer for over a century and that hasn't stopped us from evolving and overcoming 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 know is right and wrong. Reading Huckleberry Finn once in literature class won't change that. Huckleberry Finn should not be banned or sanitized because it is part of American history, whether good or bad, we also do not have the right to change someone's writing simply because we do. unlike how it is written, Mark Twain's writing should not be penalized because of today's ideals. If you find the book offensive, do not read or buy it. There are countless amounts of offensive books that people find no interest in, however that doesn't mean we change or rewrite them.