Censorship is defined as the suppression of speech or deletion of communicative material which may be considered objectionable, harmful, sensitive, or inconvenient to the government or media organizations as determined by a censor. Read the article found at http://www.startribune.com/local/11556181.html (copy and paste link into a separate page). The First Ammendment of the Constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." What does "Freedom of Speech" guarantee us as American citizens? Why is that important? When is censorship necessary (or is it ever necessary)?
Please respond once to this blog and then at least once to another classmates response. Remember, this is a learning community. We can and should disagree...but with respect for one another.
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ReplyDelete[RAHUL SHAH]
ReplyDelete"Freedom of Speech" guarantees us the freedom to display our discontent with the status quo and lets us protest in order to demand for a change. This is important in itself because if the majority of a population dislikes the way in which the government is being run, then we could demand for a "redress of grievances."
The First Amendment also gives the press to right to report their information without any suppression or threats from the government, thus allowing the people to be informed about their own country in a fairly accurate manner.
In my opinion, censorship/oppression is only necessary and should be enacted by the government when the people do not "peaceably assemble" and when protests and riots come in the way of the security and well-being of any other human being.
My response to the article: I think that anyone can protest for trying to remove a book from school reading lists. It is covered in the First Amendment so it should be allowed. But, people should have common sense before blindly protesting.
It is moronic to try to protest to remove a BOOK from a teacher's reading list. At least try and talk to the teacher to request an alternate assignment, or if you feel this strongly about a couple of "n words" then let your child get a 0 on the assignment if the teacher doesn't co-operate. (Highly unlikely for a teacher to do that - most are very understanding)
Books are "recordings" of history. Everyone knows that not all history is "good," but it IS important to learn it all for a better understanding of human nature, the world, and for the sake of not making the same mistakes again which is very apparent in military history.
I think this can compare to some UK teachers trying to pretend that the Holocaust never occurred. This is EXTREMELY ignorant. They are doing this because of the fears they have about upsetting any Muslim students. (http://www.shortnews.com/start.cfm?id=61470) It is essential to learn about this historical event.
Back to the article: If you do not want YOUR child to read a book, that's fine. Just do not try and RUIN it for everyone other student. Huckleberry Finn is a historically rich novel and it would be a shame for any student to miss the opportunity to read and analyze this book in school.
Besides, the student is in 10TH GRADE! Second year of high school! If the parents are so ignorant to not realize what "happens" in 10th grade, then they would not be trying to protest about such a trivial matter. To the parent: GROW UP and let your child GROW UP.
I just read over my comment and I just realized how ridiculously sloppy my "points" were. Ohh well: typed this on my iPhone.
P.S. American is spelled "Amerian" in your post :D
[RAHUL SHAH]
[Carley Flores]
ReplyDeleteI can understand Mr. Gilbert's point of view, but I believe he has taken the issue too far. Our 21st century classroom is not the same as his 1960s classroom. We don’t go into thorough discussions about controversial words in books, we just ignore them and act maturely about it. I often feel that the issue of race is resolved in the minds of teenagers and other young people, but perhaps I am wrong. It just seems that adults bring it up again and again because they think that it hasn't been resolved.
In 9th grade, we read To Kill A Mockingbird. I could place it among a whole list of books that I have read for school that had racist remarks and such splattered across the pages. We also read The House on Mango Street, which compared poor Hispanic families. Couldn't I, as a Hispanic, say that it was racially discriminative? I don't believe that the racial remarks in books such as these are offensive to the STUDENTS. I do not believe that censorship is necessary in the case of Huckleberry Finn (although I have not read the book). It's a part of history, and it may be an uncomfortable subject at times, but I have not witnessed such remarks causing anyone harm. Freedom of speech allows us freedom, obviously, but it does not allow for the speech to harm others. That is where the line is drawn.
If censorship is used for sensitive little situations such as this one, then I believe it would lead to censorship in an infinite amount of areas. Censorship should only be used for more aggressive situations.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteJACOB SIU
ReplyDeleteTHIRD!
"It is moronic to try to protest to remove a BOOK from a teacher's reading list. At least try and talk to the teacher to request an alternate assignment, or if you feel this strongly about a couple of "n words" then let your child get a 0 on the assignment if the teacher doesn't co-operate."
Rahul is right, having a dispute over a racial word is pointless as a pencil with no tip.
Gilbert acts niggardly over the situation. Portraying racial discrimination is completely mediocre in our current society. There are many racial discriminations in every race and most people seem to not have a burden over it, whether it is massive or not. Why would one minority, or a white person, be entitled to argue that seeing the "n" word in a book would be offensive to the point where they would make a dispute? Come on... Like the principle stated, the symbolism in the book is incomparable to the negative language.
Even though Gilbert had troubles in his past, the book should be allowed to be read in schools, because racial discrimination is a notable point in history that should be displayed, not concealed...
Oh well, each person have different preferences than others.
Haha, Carley beat me by 3 minutes :P
ReplyDelete[RAHUL SHAH]
ReplyDeleteCARLEY! Hey :D
Responding to your post:
"In 9th grade, we read To Kill A Mockingbird. I could place it among a whole list of books that I have read for school that had racist remarks and such splattered across the pages."
You read my mind - I just totally forgot to put this in my comment.
For the Summer Reading Essay - choosing three books to preserve from the firemen - I chose "To Kill a Mockingbird" for one of them.
Here are excerpts from my essay.
"Furthermore, throughout this story, with the use of vulgar epithets, such as "nigger-lover", this novel harshly describes the cruelty of any sort of prejudice. "
"In the entirety of the novel, the harsh use of epithets, racial discrimination and the view-point of a non-prejudiced six year old girl touch the emotions."
Reading/Watching the book and film for "To Kill a Mockingbird" honestly touched me. It would stand in the same category as Huckleberry Finn.
Both of these books are DEEMED valuable and I encourage anyone who hasn't read these books to place them on your "Bucket List of Books to Read" because that is just what they are.
[RAHUL SHAH]
Haha, only the NERDS posting right now :)
ReplyDelete[Will Wilhelm]
ReplyDeleteHuck Finn should not be removed from the school curriculum. Racism is an object of the past. It is American history. YEt it was mainly in the past it still exist today, and always will.
We do not live in the fifties we are past racism. I may affend people still today, but yet them be stubborn. Mr.Gilbert should grow up, and move on. He needs to notice his stupidity and take the high road, and be the bigger man.
He talks about the KKK being a big terrible racist group. Do not get me wrong they are, but the Black Panthers are no better they are violent and disruptived too. So before he talks about the KKK he needs to realize what his his position and organization does.
Racism is our history. Huck Finn explains it well. Young adults can learn from it. Huck Finn should stay in the curriculum
-Will Wilhelm
[Catherine Kenyon]
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carley! Mr. Gilbert did that the situation a little too far. The classrooms and what we discuss and learn in them has certainly changed since the '60s. If Mr. Gilbert thinks that this is too much for his daughter, juat take her out of the class or something.
As Americans, the "Freedom of Speech" lets us speak up for what we believe in and give our opinions. (Mr. Gilbert certainly did). It's important because it shows everyone is different and is entitled to their own opinion. We also have the "Freedom of Press" as Americans, and Mark Twain was allowed to write what he wanted to. That doesn't mean you have to read it.
Censorship is necessary for younger students. I think a high school student is able to maturely accept an author's style of writing. Racial discrimination was a big issue in American history, and it's not going to be ignored. It's always going to be there. History's not going to change. Face it.
"Freedom of Speech" mean we have the FREEDOM to speak our minds. Mr. Gilbert needs to realize that Huckleberry Finn isnt targeting his daughter. There is nothing wrong with reading that book because the deragatory words in the book are being stated toward his daughter. And even if they were has he not heard the phrase "sticks and stones may brake my bones but words can never hurt me?" I mean really he is an adult. He needs to grow up and let this go.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of Speach is important because it allows us to have the freedom to say what we want when we want. If this right was surpressed no body would express their opinions. Opinions are what makes the world go round. Different thoughts create different ideas and different ideas keep the world evolving. I mean Mr. Gilber is basically denying freedom of speach by trying to get Huckleberry Finn removed. I mean if we didnt have freedom of speach Martin Luther King Jr. could have never mad his "I have A Dream" speech and then rascism would still probably be very prominent.
Censorship isnt neccesarry. Americans have the right to say what they want. We all have opinions and if we choose to state them we should suffer the consequences, whether they be good or bad. The government tries to censor out things but people have a right to know.
Just like Will said racism is part of the past. It is in part of history for a REASON. Mr. Gilbert should let it stay there. Don't dig up the past.
Tara Sharpton
I think freedom of speeech means that your opinion will be heard, but not always considered. I think that it's important because without freedom of speech no one would be content with everything that goes on in the world and instead of talking about it, they might get violent about the situation. Everyone has a right to be heard.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that Huckleberry Finn should be removed. I think the kids should get two choices of whether they would read Huck or another book. Racism still offends people and I don't think you should read something that might make you uncomfortable.
Censorship is veryyy important beacuse without it, the world would be even crazier. Certain things are meant to be seen/heard by certain people(certain ages). If just anything was allowed on tv, kids would grow up thinking cussing or violent behavior were everyday things that are allowed.
Jelani Burchette
[Angel Johnson]
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carley and Catherine. Mr. Gilbert was making a very big deal about the book. He shouldnt be looking at just the language of the book, he should be looking at the overall lesson of the book. If he thinks his daughter cant handle a book like that he should do what he thinks is best as a parent.
Highschool students should be able to read a book that has language or vulgar comments throughout it and not take it personally. If a student feels like he/she has an issue with a book that uses language they dont appreciate then that student should take it up with the teacher.
Freedom of Speech allows people to voice there own opion on a topic, but i think it does have limitations on what can be said depending on what that person is commenting. Freedom of speech is important because everyone is different and it allows everyone to have a different opion and voice it. People could learn from other peoples opinions. is censorship neccesary??? ummm i would have to say yes. Why? because if we let people say what ever they wanted, to who ever they wanted, where ever they wanted, our world would be...CRAZY!! haha.
-Angel J-
Will,
ReplyDeleteYou say that racism "was mainly in the past it still exist today, and always will.
We do not live in the fifties we are past racism." That statement contradicts itself, we are not past racism (we live in the south). I feel like you are not being empathetic to Mr. Gilbert in any way. I'm pretty sure that someone would offend you if they called you something you did not like. The n word has a much deeper meaning than we even know. That word has been used to degrade many people. African Americans in particular. So I do not think that Mr. Gilbert is being overdramatic in any way. Everyone has a right to fight for what they believe in.
As American citizens, "Freedom of Speach" gurantees us the right to utter whatever thoughts we please without the constant limitations of censorship muffling the reverberations of our thoughts and opinions. I feel the importance of this gurantee can not be stressed enough seeing that this particular brand of freedom is perhaps one of the most vital civil liberties we own.
ReplyDeleteI can see where Mr. Gilbert is coming from, yes, the "n-word" does not make my top ten "Favorite Word List" either. I also applaud him for verbalizing something he felt was out of place, but I would never go so far as to ban an American Classic simply because it portrays the realism of America's past through "contriversial" language; thats just intolerant. I think Mr. Gilbert needs to understand that the world is a very contriversal place and that in the real world there will be no elongated black rectangles or high pitched tones to protect his daughter from the less plesant side of the world. If people decided to ban every book or idea that may contain some offensive material, the shelves of our libraries would be starving, as would our minds.
But i digress, my opinion relating to censorship is that such action should be taken if the material in question results in violent acts committed by the thin skinned population that was offended by the truth. I also agree with Catherine in the sense that younger adults may require SOME censorship, but only relating to something that is not yet understood, not regarding something that may be widely understood yet possibly offensive, something like racism.
[Sydney Oliver] -sorry for any typos :)
By reading books with references to racism that occured in the past such as Huckleberry Fin, the school system is not saying that the beliefs and prejudice of some of the characters in the books is okay. To take it out of the school systems completely is like ignoring something from the past. I believe it is very hurtful to read prejudice comments directed at people, and teachers should not allow students to treat eachother that way, yet we can't deny the fact that people were treated like that at one point in history. Mr. Gilbert needs to teach his daughter the importance of respect for others, and that prejudice is wrong. Than she can read Huckleberry Fin without it changing her views on the issue or offending her at all.
ReplyDelete-Molly Knight
Dustin Craig writes:
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech is for ideas to flow freely in society so people can improve their lives, such as by "redressing the grievances" that they may have with the government. In other countries, people may be struck down for simply wrting something bad about the government. Our country allows us to speak freely about what we might not like about it. I don't think censorship is needed hardly, if what someone writes might cause a apocalypse it might, but most things against other people or other controversial things are beaten down immediately by others. The only thing censorship is needed for mainly is children getting the wrong ideas in their heads.
As for the article, I think Mr. Gilbert is hung up on his past of only looking at the n-word in Huck Finn. Today it would simply be a show of its age, being based of the authors childhood when people were taught to be racist and use the n-word. This may have still somewhat applied when Gilbert read it, but today when you read it it just shows that racism was in the past. Mr. glibert is just overreacting to the word being in the book when no one today is going to take it personally.(though if someone actually called someone one it would be a different story)
As an American citizen, "Freedom of Speech" allows us to believe what we want and fight for it. The government doesn't have control of what we believe or say.It is important that we have freedom of speech because we are all different and have formed different opinions. We shouldn't have to be told what to believe.Censorship should be used when people and/or a media source is intentionally offending another group of people on purpose. Freedom of speech is a good thing and should be allowed until a certain point. It is one thing to say what you believe, but when a person goes to far and begins to offend others, they are no longer just stating their beliefs. We should state them in a way that is respectful to others and their opinions.
ReplyDeleteMr. Gilbert had a point, but personally, he was going a little overboard with it. It is good to read novels such as Huckleberry Finn because they help teach how to fight racism and prevent it today. We can't ignore the fact of racism in the past or say that it no longer exists today. We don't live in a perfect world, so it's necessary to learn more about racism in a positive environment where we can form our own opinion, rather than what we hear from others.
[Miranda Albert]
ReplyDeleteAs Americans we have the right of Free Speech. If we did not have Free speech the government could take control of everything. When we have free speech we can make sure the government doesn't get to powerful.
censorship violates the First amendment. If the government censors what people say, we are not exercising the right of free speech. people have the right to know what is going on in the media/world. The only time i could think of it actually should be used is when something endangers the lives of people.
The father in the article is not considering the fact that Huckleberry Finn is a classic book. It is a literary treasure, which is mostly likely why it is on the reading list. I know that no one wants to hear the "N" word none the less want to read it. sometimes you have to look past the words and see what the story truly means.
[Miranda Albert]
I do not think this book should be banned. We have a right to express our discontent with matters, as Mr. Gilbert did, but whatever selection is made there will always be at least one person who is not pleased. I think that parents like Mr. Gilbert should talk with the faculty to agree upon an alternate assigment for their children. The child would be chastised no more for an alternate assignment than getting a book banned. I also understand that racial tension is a sore spot for many persons; as Jelani said, "we are not past racism". We should however look at this and other books in question with an open mind.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech gives us the right to give our honest opinion on things without hiding any of our beliefs. Censorship, on most occasions, should not be necessary because one should know when they are taking things too far.
Molly,
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. Making Huckleberry Fin mandatory for the students to read is only discouraging racism more.It would also make his daughter's beliefs stronger. He can't keep her from hearing about certain things in history. She is going to have to face real life at some point and it's necessary to be educated about this.
Freedom of speach gives citezens the ability to say whatever they want. In Mr.Gilbert's case, he is speaking his mind. He is allowed to do that, but he has taken the situation to the extreme. Like Tara said, Twain was not targeting Mr. Gilbert's daughter when he wrote Huckleberry Finn. The reading assignment was not ment to make any children feel bad. It was meant to teach different literary tecniques.
ReplyDeleteIf American citizens did not have the freedom of speach, our country would never get anywhere. New ideas and perspectives come when people speak out. Mr. Gilbert could have easly asked the teacher if his daughter could have a different assignment and be done with the situation, but he decided to speak out too much. The way he spoke out caused too much unnecessary contraversy.
Censorship is not really needed. If citezens really do have the "freedom of speach,"then why would the government not allow a person to speak their mind? Some people say offensive things, but if that is what they believe then they are allowed to say it.
Marisa McKnight
As a citizen in America "Freedom of Speech" allows each of us the right to think and believe whatever we think is right. The government cannot dictate or control it in anyway.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important for us to have freedom of speech because of all the different ideas, beliefs, etc. that we have in our country. It allows us to speak openly and freely.
I agree with Laurel with when censorship is necessary. If someone is intentially hurting someone because of what they think, that is when the goverment should step in and say, "Hey! That's not alright."
Aubrey Slaughter
ReplyDeleteI don't like this blog. I have accidentally deleted my thing twice now.
"Freedom of Speech" is important to every American citizen. Mark Twain wrote what he wanted to write in his book Huckleberry Finn. The book has been read in schools for a while! The bad words in it are not that big of a deal. A mature student can handle it. Discrimation has been around for a long time in the United States. I agree with Molly and Laurel about reading the book only discourages kids to be rascist. Mark Twain wasn't trying to encourage it in the first place. Because of the book's structure and literary values, it is being read in school. I don't think we should have to censor out words after they have already been written. It was the authors choice. Obviuosly, it is important enough, and you can learn a lot from it because it is read in school. Mr. Gilbert blew everything out of proportion, and the book shouldn't be banned from school.
haha same here Aubrey!
ReplyDeleteSydney I totally agree with you on this: "As American citizens, "Freedom of Speech" guarantees us the right to utter whatever thoughts we please without the constant limitations of censorship muffling the reverberations of our thoughts and opinions. I feel the importance of this gurantee can not be stressed enough seeing that this particular brand of freedom is perhaps one of the most vital civil liberties we own." Couldn't have said it any better.
Athena writes:
ReplyDeleteExcellent comments! (And I am sorry about the typo, Rahul...proof that even I am not perfect I suppose...:)
Please keep up the conversation! I am enjoying your thoughts on censorship and freedom of speech. This is a very important issue in the United States and something that our society was quite literally founded upon.
Don't completely discount Mr. Gilbert...
When should we draw the line in order to protect a group...or simply a moral standard? Should the United States have a "moral standard"..."one nation under God"?
haha
ReplyDeletethanks Miranda, that means a lot!
"sometimes you have to look past the words and see what the story truly means."
I thought this^^^^^^was a lovely sentence as well :D
Marquis Gladstone:
ReplyDeleteI think that freedom of speech allows people to express their beliefs about certain things no matter what. But even though people are free to say whatever they want to, it may not always be the best or right thing to say. Freedom of speech is important because without it no one would be able to speak their mind and if something was wrong then nothing would be done to resovle it.
Censorship should come into play when something that may not be appropriate for those of a younger age group comes into play. I agree with Rahul that when the safety of the population is involved that censorship should be enforced.
In reference the article:
I believe that the parents of the child should have had their child either removed from the class or as Rahul stated assigned an alternate assignment. If the parents were uncomfortable with their child reading the book then that is their problem. It has nothing to do with the rest of the students. I think it is unfair to all the other students that wanted to read this book but may be denied the chance, at least class wise. Rascism is apart of everyday life as Will said. The parents cannot protect their children from it their whole lives because most likely they have already been exposed to it in their school life. Parents cannot expect their children to react the same way as they might have in the earlier days. To me, personally, this is a pity story with overprotective parents that overeacted and blew a simple matter into an uneccessary crisis.
- Marquis Gladstone
(Savanna Gladue)
ReplyDeleteI don't believe that Huck finn should be removed from the teacher's required reading list. I believe that the teacher has it on the reading list for a reason. Now im not conding the usage of the word, but it can be used as a proper lesson to all children. Words hurt especially from people your own age/ your peers. This book could be a positive influence on many kids showing them that this is not the way that anyone should be treated and to treat others the way that you would want to be treated.
On the other hand, it could also be a bad influence because it could spark some racial tension between kids that had not been there prior to reading the book. so i see both sides of the story, but i still think that the book should be left on the reading list.
Aubrey i agree totally, i don't exactly like blogging... but back to the topic. I agree with you that the book was written for a reason and that mark twain put what he wanted in there for a reason.
ReplyDeletei like this statement!:D
"Obviuosly, it is important enough, and you can learn a lot from it because it is read in school. Mr. Gilbert blew everything out of proportion, and the book shouldn't be banned from school. "
"Freedom of Speech" entitles anyone to voice their own opinions and say what is on their mind. Mr. Gilbert was not completely wrong for sharing his opinions and the way he felt about the story of Huckleberry Finn. He felt that the story was morally distasteful. As we all agree, we have the right to say what we feel; however, some people have to understand as Jelani stated, all opinions are "not always considered".
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Will when he said, "Mr.Gilbert should grow up, and move on. He needs to notice his stupidity and take the high road, and be the bigger man." I don't believe Mr. Gilbert is acting out of stupidity. Although, he may have been taking it to an extreme, he has probably seen some things, back when he was a part of the Black Panther Party, that made him have a strong hate for racism. With him being in his 50's, it's probably harder for him to let go of those things. For example, some of the men who were in the wars, such as WWI or WWII, still have a hate for the enemies who were attacking them. They only have that hatred towards them because of the things they've seen and heard.
As a father, he also has a right to say what he would and would not like his daughter to read. On the other hand, with his daughter being in high school, he should have allowed her to read the book for herself and form her own opinion about the book. Just last school year, I was assigned to read Lord of the Flies, which was a book along the same theme of racism.
We should help protect a "moral standard" by simply respecting it and trying to find a mutual agreement between the two parties.
(alicia.)
I agree with Angel. If you're given a book in class to read, you should be mature enough to not take it personally. When reading, you have to read between the lines and find the deeper meaning. Back when Huckleberry Finn was written, that was the language people were exposed to. In these days and ages, it may not be appropriate to say at school or at work, but literature is a work of art. You have to just take in the language used and understand that the writer just didn't throw it in because it was the next best thing to say, but because it was a part of their everyday life.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of Speech means you can write and say anything you please. Now, it may not be appropriate in some circumstances, but you still have that right. Mark Twain wrote what he knew and his environment. When you're the author, you shouldn't have to censor every n-word or other "bad" word. It's your work of art. When people are reading it in school, they should just read those words like any other word, and not take it in offence.
I also agree with Savanna, the book teaches a lesson for all children to learn. The book was on the reading list in the first place for a reason, the teacher obviously thought it was a very important lesson..
-Marta
William Snider
ReplyDeleteFreedom of Speech allows us to voice our complaints and grievances without fear of repercussions (from the government, at least). When we voice our opinions concerning a particular issue, others listen and become aware of that issue. When enough people begin to express their complaints, the government has to take notice and address the issue. If the government does nothing, they’re unlikely to be reelected and new leaders that will address the issue come into office. In summary, freedom of speech helps keep the government in check.
Censorship is never necessary. There is no reason for controlling what people view besides to have total control over them. China, for example, has full time censors surfing the internet searching for “objectionable” material. Censorship would make Freedom of Speech pointless, which is reason enough not to exercise censorship.
In response to the article:
I’m going to go ahead and agree with the majority of the people and say that Ken Gilbert is way overreacting. Huckleberry Finn is a classic piece of American literature that was written almost 130 years ago. As we all know, as time goes on words and phrases go in and out of style; what was acceptable/common back then may not be acceptable/common today. I’m sure there are other words and phrases, in addition to the profane language, in Huckleberry Finn that we are completely unaccustomed to reading in books. Mr. Gilbert threatening to have “his daughter leave the St. Louis Park school system” just for that is a bit extreme.
In response to Jelani:
I disagree with you. I think it is very silly that Mr. Gilbert is making such a big deal about this. You said to Will, “I'm pretty sure that someone would offend you if they called you something you did not like.” And while I do agree with you that calling someone dirty names can be offending, it is irrelevant to Huckleberry Finn. The use of the n-word in Huckleberry Finn is in no way directed AT Mr. Gilbert’s daughter. He should look beyond the bad language and instead focus on the literature part.
William Snider
I agree with Catherine and Carley.
ReplyDeleteI understand where Mr.Gilbert is comming from, however, this was taken a little to far than needed. In the 1960s, using those kind of words meant more then than they do now. Now a days if a word like that is in a book, we tend to overlook it and act mature about it. Like Aubrey said, Mark Twain wrote what he wanted to in the novel and he was in no way trying to encourage racism. I think that if he has that much of an issue with the book, an alternate assignment should be offered to the student. Mr.Gilbert does have to realize that he can't protect his daughter from rascism for forever because, NEWSFLASH it's everywhere. It's in the media, it's in books, it's in schools, so you really aren't helping her at all by stopping her from reading one book.
Freedom of Speech is very important to Americans. It allows us to speak what is on our minds when we want to. Without Freedom of Speech people would: first of all never get to really know each other and second a lot of conflicts would not be resolved.
As for censorship, I personally don't understand why they use it if we have Freedom of Speech, but I do see why it is necessary. Censorship needs to be used whenever something is made public to where anyone can hear it. I don't think it should be taken out completely though because, if that is how they feel they should be aloud to say it.
I completely disagree with the request to have Huck Finn taken off the required reading list. Although it was written so long ago, it still is considered an American classic and teaches so many great lessons. Yes, the language can be offensive but people have to realize that Huck Finn was written during a time of harsh racism, and they have to overlook the language to fully appreaciate the true purpose of the book. People can't forget that racism was such a huge part of American history and always will be. Thankfully we've gotten past that problem and everyone is treated equally nowadays, like it should be. Huck Finn was written so long ago that I think people should completely disregard the offensive language and pay attention to the great message Twain is trying to convey.
ReplyDeleteMcKenna Carlile
JJ Bozeman
ReplyDeleteAhhh! I accidentally deleted everything I wrote on here twice, so this is going to be a little bit shorter than what I had originally written.
"Freedom of Speech" allows us to express our opinions openly. This is important because everyone deserves to be able to share thoughts and ideas. However, when opinions, thoughts, and ideas have malicious intentions, censorship can become necessary. In the event that a message provokes violence or hate or has harmful intentions meant to physically or emotionally hurt someone or a group, I believe it should be stopped.
Mr. Gilbert had good intentions and was practicing his rights to express concern for his daughter and take peaceful action to prevent racism. However, his attempt to ban the story of Huckleberry Finn shows a lack of consideration for the benefits or exposing youth to harsh realities of the past. The context of the racism in no way persuades readers to take part in racist practices. I agree with Carley's statement about classrooms today being way different than the classrooms Mr. Gilbert learned in. His objection to an alternative assignment for his daughter was confusing to me. He felt that would "ostracize" her, while his radical actions couldn't do the same. I think making a huge deal about a book that teaches important life lessons would single her out as the daughter of an inconsiderate, yet concerned, father more than a separate assignment would ostracize her.
I support what Molly said. Just because prejudice was present in this literary work does not mean that it's expressing the views of the current school system.
ReplyDelete- Carley
Angela:
ReplyDeleteI personally believe that racism is wrong. The only race that we should go by is human. Of course we need classifications for stuff the government needs to know, but that is no reason or any of anyone's business that they discriminate. If you ask me the racists in the book are pink when they are born, blue when they die, red when they are mad, and purple when they are choking. I honestly dont see why they call someone else colored, and if everyone in the world held hands we would all be standing around the earth holding hands.
By the way, Sydney's way with words makes me jealous. haha (:
ReplyDelete"I also applaud him for verbalizing something he felt was out of place, but I would never go so far as to ban an American Classic simply because it portrays the realism of America's past through "contriversial" language; thats just intolerant. I think Mr. Gilbert needs to understand that the world is a very contriversal place and that in the real world there will be no elongated black rectangles or high pitched tones to protect his daughter from the less plesant side of the world. If people decided to ban every book or idea that may contain some offensive material, the shelves of our libraries would be starving, as would our minds."
I completely agree with all of that.
And to Jacob: I actually beat you by 3 hours, but the computer I was on wouldn't let me post it, so I copied it for later. xD
Dustin Craig writes:
ReplyDelete[Response to Will Snider]
Ahh, the internet censorship in China. Boggles my mind to no end, with proxies and site mirrors and the fact people will talk about what happens on other sites on their site, I never have thought internet censorship would work. It's just to global for one country to try to censor out what some sites say.
More on topic, I don't agree with you completely on no censorship. I do think the government needs to step in if something someone says will cause an apocalypse of some sort like I said in my comment. Then there is censorship in media to protect the kiddies, but isn't that a different kind of censorship than the government?
Porchia
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carly and molly.
I dont really blog like everyone else because I dont have a facebook,but anyways....
I beleive that no matter how many times you say that racism is over, it is still here today just not as visible as it used to be. Mr.Gilbert's reasons for wanting to band the book is reasonable,BUT there is alot of things that will make a person feel offended.Therfore while reading this book instead of concentrating on the negative,find the main points,learn from the book and move on. There will be a time in your life where there is discrimination or negativity towards you but you need to change the situation or accept it or learn from it and move on with your life.
Also everyone is inclined to freedom of speech,which gives everyone the right to express there feelings and opinons. I do feel that censorship comes in handy becuse becuse people do often abuse their freedom of speech by saying harmful things to others.
Kayla Anderson
ReplyDeleteTo me, having the freedom of speech doesn't mean I can say whatever I want to whoever I want, but that I have a right to my own opinion without people telling me I'm wrong. People can take the idea of having a 'freedom of speech' too literally and their words can offend others who have different views. But without the freedom of speech, no one could ever understand the point of view of another person. Without it, no one would have the other rights they have today. The progression of our country depends on people voicing their opinions in order to make changes for the better.
Censorship can be necessary when people overuse their right to free speech.But people can misuse censorship as well.A person with the power to suppress speech can use it when they think the opinions will hurt their own reputation.
When it comes to the article, I agree with McKenna when she says racism was a big part in American history that people can't just forget about, and that they should look more at the message Mark Twain was trying to get across. I understand why Mr. Gilbert was upset and he has his right to voice his opinion, but I see it as more of a personal issue instead of him speaking on behalf of the entire race.
-Sarah Oswald
ReplyDeleteI believe that freedom of speech allows everyone to give their "2 cents worth" of something. By this I mean that everyone is able to state their opinion. We all can freely state how we feel about anything. Even if other people don't like what we have to say we are still able to say what we feel. This is important because everyone's opinion counts even if we don't agree with what someone else thinks. I don't know if I think that censorship is ever necessary, because if someone isn't allowed to say what they feel we have no input on anything. Everything would be very black and white.
I agree with what Will said. I think that Mr. Gilbert should move on and stop living in the past. He read the book a long time ago, and racism isn't the way it was back when he was a kid. I think it's a little extreme to go through all of that just because the book excessively uses the n-word. I most certainly think it's crazy to pull his daughter out of the school system just because the school won't take Huck Finn off the critera. I think that Mr. Gilbert should just let it go and allow it to be a learning experience for his daughter.
On the other hand, I can see how it is offensive to Mr. Gilbert and he doesn't want his daughter getting 'heat' for silly things that shouldn't even matter in the 21st Century. So I do understand that he is concerned about the way the book comes across but I don't think he has to make such a big deal about it.
Porchia says:
ReplyDeleteI agree with Carly and molly.
I don't really blog like everyone else because I don't have a face book,but anyways....
I believe that no matter how many times you say that racism is over, it is still here today just not as visible as it used to be. Mr.Gilbert's reasons for wanting to band the book is reasonable,BUT there is a lot of things that will make a person feel offended.Therefore while reading this book instead of concentrating on the negative,find the main points,learn from the book and move on. There will be a time in your life where there is discrimination or negativity towards you but you need to change the situation or accept it or learn from it and move on with your life.
Also everyone is inclined to freedom of speech,which gives everyone the right to express there feelings and opinions. I do feel that censorship comes in handy because because people do often abuse their freedom of speech by saying harmful things to others.
Freedom of Speech guarantees American citizens that they can have opinions without being penalized. It says that as Americans we can disagree with the government without being killed or punished in some awful way. Freedom of Speech is one of the definitions of American culture. It is mostly why immigrants come to America from places in the Middle East where people are stoned for disagreeing. I think it’s the key to America and why we are sort of successful.
ReplyDeleteI think that censorship is necessary only in extreme cases. I see no reason to ban a certain book just because it has some not nice words. I mean I understand where Mr. Gilbert is coming from, but I think it’s a little drastic.
Actually, I’ve found that most often the books with racial slurs are the ones with the message at the end that is treat all people equally. Like in To Kill a Mockingbird, for example, Atticus teaches Scout and Jem to treat all people equally, no matter what skin color they have. I think it teaches students to appreciate modern times and equality of man today.
Also, I think both Carley and Rahul made excellent points. :))
Mary Catherine Hydrick
Slavery was wrong, I believe the majority of our society would agree. But the fact is this, it was not illegal when white masters were able to buy and sell black humans. I do think it was wrong, and inhumane, but it is a part of history and society in that day. And what happens if we don't learn from history? We repeat it. People used the "N" word as a title back then. It's what you called black people because while slavery existed, many whites did not believe black people were fully a person. Some people still use the "N" word, some people don't. We all have our opinions and reasons. I know black people who say the "N" word, but scream racism if a white person were to use it. I also know white people who say the "C" word (cracker), but scream racism if a black person were to say it. I understand the father wanting to shield his daughter from what he sees as racism, I would completely agree with him if I thought something was inappropriate for my child. I love the option of having a alternative reading assignment. Why doesn't the teacher have both assignments due for all their students and talk about both. That seems fair to me. This is to me the same as an incident with a friend in fourth grade. My class was reading and watching "Indians in the Cupboard". His mother did not want him to watch it, thinking it was offensive to Native Americans (She and her son are more than half blood Native American) The teacher simply gave him a diff. assignment. Yes, he was taken out of the class during our work with that book, and was a "outcast" for a couple weeks, but no one is going to agree with everything the everybody else does. OUR HISTORY, I'ts is OURS!! We need to claim it with pride, learn from it, and become wiser to have A BETTER FUTURE!! I can almost see it as Evolution against Christianity. Christians do not agree with "Humans evolved from Apes", just like non Christians agree with in "Humans evolved from Apes" That's the great thing about America. Freedom of Speech. We have a CHOICE!
ReplyDeleteCarlos (Carley) :D
ReplyDeletehow did I not see that comment?!
thank you so much, I can't even verbalize how much of a compliment that is.
I think censorship should never be used. It totally breaks the rule of freedom of speech. That rule has probably been there longer than censorship. Freedom of speech means the right to say and discuss anything you want at any time and any place. I wouldnt want the government or anybody to censor or take away what im reading or watching just because it says a few things they dont want to hear. I agree totally with Marquis on this one the parents took this one a little to far! Seriously just tkae your child out of the class and get on with your life! dont ruin someone elses reading just because of our thoughts and beliefs. If i were the parent in this situation i would just tell my kid that its bad and never repeat anything in the book! Seriously i thought the parents were supposed to be the mature onesbecause it sure doesnt look like it from this story!
ReplyDeleteThe first amendment is what separates America from other countries. It guarantees American citizens’ right to speak about our leaders and our representatives without fear of government intrusion or reprisal. This is a critical issue that enables us to assert our involvement in democracy and the exchange of ideas and opinions.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with Dustin on the censorship issue. I believe that censorship is acceptable in very specific and limited situations. In some cases, like the recent WikiLeaks publication of sensitive documents, the government cannot step in due to the publicity the article in question has received and the consequences that would follow if it did censor the website. But in similar circumstances, where classified information is leaked to the press, it may become acceptable for the government to step in and not allow the information to be published. I believe that if it is in the best interest of our country to restrict the publication of classified info, then the government should be permitted to step in; without facing charges of censorship or restriction of the press.
In the Huckleberry Finn issue, I find it absurd to take this classic tale off a reading list due to a particular person’s or group’s belief. I feel it would be more appropriate to ask for an alternate assignment or be removed from the class, or, if all else fails, to take a zero for the assignment grade. If you are willing to make a public controversy about your child reading the book, and if the teacher refuses to comply, then you should have no issue accepting a failing grade for not completing the assignment.
Also this novel does not, intentionally, suggest racism to the reader. For this reason, I do not agree with Mr. Gilbert’s objection of his daughter’s reading Huckleberry Finn. His position is an overreaction that should not have gone beyond objecting to his daughter’s teacher about what he considered a racist book.