Thursday, January 31, 2008

Huckleberry Finn is here to stay.

Huckleberry Finn proves to be a staple in American Literature. It portrays the American culture and explores the boundaries and core of racism. Many who open Huck Finn are immediately angered and pained by the "n" word that constantly shows up in Twain's diction. Although I am aware of the meaning of this word, shouldnt we be able to read it on paper and learn from it rather than pretend like it never happened?  One of the parents from the movie we watched in class told the audience that students began to use that hateful word. She stated that the books content inflicted this upon children's lips. It is not the novel's words but the students mind. Huckleberry Finn should not be read lightly and definitely pertains to an older and more mature age group who comprehends the controversy over the "n" word.  To become a great nation, we must learn from our past in hopes to make a brighter future. We must establish an understanding of our freedom and how such a privlege came to be. Huck Finn provides the voice of a young American boy to portray an anti-racist attitude when the society he has known promotes slavery.  His journey appears to be so far incredible and I am aware there is so much more to come. I am thankful that educators are teaching this in schools because if we picked up this book on our own we may misinterpret Twain's sarcasm.   The "n" word was used in Huck Finn for the purpose of historical accuracy and the beautiful piece of literature should not be punished for it's interesting take on America. Despite the controversy, we can all learn something from Twain's novel "Huckleberry Finn." It's time for Americans to adapt a mature attitude and let this novel remain the American classic it has proved to be.
I personally find no reason why Huck Fin should not be taugh in school, or even wy it is considered by some to be a racist book. The book was written by Twain in order to break the chains of racism and show the possibiltiy that lays in our country to turn away frm racism. Twain shows this through the relationship between Jim and Huck. Throughout the book Huck's view of Jim fads from what society has been telling him to think about blacks and how he truly feels in his heart (David Bradley). The way that Twain characaterizes Jim in itself is showing anti-racism by portraying a black for the first time in literature as being humane and having personality. The point of this was to show that skin color doesn't effect your degree of humanity, not remind people of the times when blacks were seen as property as the mother, Kathy Monteiro, felt. While yes I can understand that some people, especically blacks, would get offended with the use of the "n-word" but why should it matter when the book is writting in support of the people who are refered to as "the-word." As David Bradley stated in the movie, it is not the book that brings up problems of racism and offense to the "n-word" but the already existing feelings of the audience. People fail to see past a simple word and in doing so fail to see the true moral story behind the book which greatly outweighs the use of an offensive name. Most students are aware of the term and know that it is not an acceptable word to be using, by reading Huck Fin they are not going to begin thinking that using "the n-word" is acceptable. You can't hide what happened in history and by sheltering future generations from the true facts whether they be good or bad, you risk the fact of kids exploring these facts by themselves which could lead to misunderstandings and inappropraite use of offensive names that every race has.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Twain's epic tale does not make our society less prone to epic fail

While I can understand (to a certain degree) the painful history associated with the "n-word" it, to me, doesn't seem like a remotely fair basis for the banning/condemning of Mark Twain's piece of epic literature (totally and completely epic, by the way). America has claimed to be many things, but "land of the free, home of the brave" should be viewed a little more objectively. Even up until now, traces of racism have not been removed from a society that likes to see itself so highly moral and deems itself as a capable example to the modern world. Attacking Twain based solely on the usage of a single word and trying to shield growing adolescents (from being offended to doing the offending) won't solve this problem that we have already chosen to ignore. Should I choose to have my lunch money taken from me by bullies, tell the administration of my problems and hope for assistance, or break the jerk's face? While this is illustrates a very extreme spectrum of options, it gets my point across: nothing will change if you do not take action. While Kathy Monteiro has valid reasons (prevention of emotional pain and prevention of future racism) I don't believe that not reading Huck Finn will reduce what is still spreading like cancer in society today. The internet is a prime example of blatant disregard for the feelings of others; just look read the comments on YouTube or hit up a game of Counter-Strike and get back to me on just how much we have come. Sure, no one is openly lambasting black people anymore, but what about the gooks, spics, chinks, and beaners? Are they lesser than blacks? Do they have to each have individual Civil Rights Movements? I don't believe that Twain meant any racism to come through his work, rather, he used it to strengthen the impact of Huck's choices. When Huck finds Jim on Jackson Island, he begins to see just how intelligent Jim is and even goes to feel bad for they guy when his own little joke got way out of hand. May I also remind you that Huck could have easily taken advantage of the superstitious Jim or just killed him outright with his gun. David Bradley makes the best points saying that the use of the "n-word" is not the moral focus of the book, but is a necessary part of Twain's realistic style. He also tells us that the word choice was not the controversy of its time and should not even be considered controversy if we, as a society, are really over it and it's apparent that we're not. It's like Hillary Clinton's promise to "protect the youth of America" by regulating violence and sex in video games. Is she also going to call me home at curfew (so much for being 17), lock away my dad's fine wine (because it's all I drink), check my internet browser history (my non-existent credit card gets me fine adult entertainment), and tell me that I can't buy the holiday review issue of Guitar World because the Playboy Playmate of the Year happens to be scantily clad and on the cover? Grow up, America because no one will do it for you.

Alex demands feedback (please and thank you)!

Should Huck Finn be studied in schools?

As a classical piece of American literature, Huck Finn is a book with many important and interesting themes that make this work a wonderful piece to be studied in school. Some people have raised objections that the book is offensive or even racist, but in the end this book was written in order to criticize racism and to show that African Americans are just as complex and human as anyone else. The major objection brought up by those that oppose the instruction of the book is the book's use of the "n" word. However, at the time in which the book was written, this word was a part of the everyday speech, and even though people normally excluded the word in polite conversation, there was nothing offensive about the overall use of the n word. Banning a book on that ground would be promoting ignorance to the fact that language changes and ignoring the context and style in which the book was written. Another objection is that this book promotes a negative stereotype of black people, showing Jim as someone who is superstitious, acts irrationally, and speaks in with little trace of correctness. However, all one must see to eliminate this idea is the first time that Huck finds Jim, and Jim talks all about his escape from society and the slave dealer. His clever method of escape and his ability to discern his need to get away show that he is not mindless, and his superstition is largely shared by the white characters in the book, especially the boys. As the book continues, Jim reveals himself as increasingly complex. As the two main characters, Huck and Jim are used by Mark Twain to criticize the state of society that he had experienced. The necessary inclusion of the details of the society, including the anti-black rant of Huck's father and the disdain that many had for slaves may be offensive to some people, but that is what made this piece of literature a classic and why the message in the book is indispensible. Rather than being a racist book, Twain attempts to show the tragedies that racism causes and show that there is little basis for racism at all. Of course some of the material might be offensive, for different reasons now than when the book was first published, but that makes Twain an original author and makes the book more valuable. If Twain could see the world today, he would likely be pleasantly shocked by the degree to which his message has been accepted by society and by the fact that his book, at first seen as sympathetic to African Americans, is now opposed on very different grounds.

Huckleberrrrrrrrrrrry Finnnn

Although I recognize the detriment and anguish associated with the use of the "n word" and also know that I don't know the full extent of the pain behind the word, I personally think it's a tad ludacris to ban Huck Finn because of it. When Huck Finn was first written, it was banned places in the south because of it's antislavery elements and the powerful ideas surrounding blacks, and now it's the opposite; it's being banned because it is "racist". Huck Finn is not in any way shape or form a "racist" book, nor is it meant to demean. Just because something incorporates race into the book, does not make it racist. As far as the use of the "n word", it was the common language in the south during this time period, and would have subtracted from he realism of the book if any other word was used. Just because the powerful connotation surrounding the "n word" nowadays, doesn't make Mark Twain a racist in any sense. As in the increased use of the "n word" in schools because of Huck Finn, I believe it's somewhat ridiculous that the book is being pinpointed for that. Why don't we look at our entertainment industry as a more logical outlet to point the finger at? Doesn't the entertainment industry glamorize the use of the word, racial steriotyping, etc.? How many times have you turned on a movie and heard the "n word" said? How many times have you put on a cd, only to hear a rapper belting out the "n word" in rhythm? Is school supposed to be that utopian and idealistic to believe that we wouldn't hear these things outside of school? It would be like the teaching of abstinence only sex education, when ignoring the fact that everyone at the school is sexually active. It just isn't realistic. Ergo, instead of banning a classic american novel, school should reinforce the idea that the use of the "n word" is not right and explain the extensive pain caused by the use of the world and take a realistic approach to fighting the ideas of bigotry in modern society.

Should Huck Finn be taught?

I believe that although this book has many controversial views, it is a classic that should be allowed to be taught in schools. As Kathy Monteiro states, the contant use of the n-word feels degrading and hurtful to her and her family. While this is true, it should be taken into consideration that today, African Americans use that word commonly with each other, while our society has become more conscious on using that word towards people. If the main reason for an otherwise great book to not be taught in schools is because of the use of bad language throughout the novel, Kathy Monteiro should consider homeschooling. If anyone takes the time to listen to Fremd's hallways during the 5 minute passing period, anyone would realize that our language and how we speak to each other is way worse than one word in the book. And while the n-word is still hurtful for African Americans today, they should understand that this book was written over a hundred years ago and back then, the word was more commonly used than it is now. When it was published, the book was not meant to spark racial controversy and shouldn't be overanalyzed by people trying to find faults in good literature. I can't think of any off the top of my head, but I know there are many books that degrade women as well. And even though I can find these demanign and hurtful, I take into consideration the time period that it was written, and realize how far our society has come today, As everyone should when they read Huckleberry Finn. This book is also meant to be satirical, according to David Bradley, and anyone who takes this book literally has not found the true message and moral to the book, which is the pointlessness of racism. Huck learns to see Jim in a different way, and I believe that rather than creating stereotypes, this book helps break them. This book shows the realities of life back then, and schools can't be expected to teach Disney worthy stories throughout higschool. In my opinion, this book has the right to be taught, and is like any other published book, it has its faults, but it should be the true meaning of the book that counts, not a little detail.

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

In my opinion, Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn was written to belittle discrimination against African Americans. Although some black people today may feel that his use of the word "nigger" is discriminatory in itself, Twain uses this word to accurately depict the language of the time period in which the story takes place. The mother of the girl who is suing to have the book taken off the mandatory reading list has valid concern, but if she could look beyond the word itself she would perhaps be able to see deeper meaning. For instance, the black scholar said that racism is already inherent in today's society and that Huck Finn is not the direct cause of these sentiments. Additionally, the journey Huck embarks on with Jim leads him to appreciate the black man as a human. The overly exaggerated racist sentiments expressed by some characters in the book are used to show Twain's disgust with racism. Additionally, it cannot be overlooked that other groups, like women and gays, are also discriminated against in literature. However, if the purpose of this depiction of reality is to educate the reader on the wrongs of their behaviors, the discriminatory slurs should be allowed in books read at high schools.

Should Huck Finn Be Taught in Schools?

Although the novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a classic, it is also a very controversial book. From my perspective, I believe that schools should teach this book, because it is a satirical novel addressing the characteristics of racism, realism and adventure. However, the language and the way these ideas are depicted in the novel can be seen as offensive and racist. Throughout the novel, Twain constantly refers to the “n” word and shows the character of Jim, the slave, as dim-lighted. However, I think Twain had no intention of using the “n” word to offend people. According to David Bradley, Twain was raised in a town where slavery existed and slaves were called by the “n” word. By using this word, which was commonly used during that time period, Twain depicts realism and reveals the certainty that this was how racism was and he is telling the truth. Throughout the novel, Huck struggles with racism and learns of Jim’s humanity and intelligence. He grows to realize that Jim is a person like him, but with a darker skin color. Like mother, Kathy Monteiro, I believe that students have the freedom to not read a book that offends them this much. Instead, I believe that in those schools, where great controversy rises, teachers should just make reading the book optional, outside of school. However, Huck Finn deserves to and should be taught in most schools. I don’t believe that Twain’s particular word choice was meant to offend anyone, but only demonstrate the actuality of racism. After all, the book is written in vernacular and the “n” word was then, a part of the common language. His word choice helps show that racism was existent to what extent. This classic novel regarding adventure, realism, racism and humor is not trying to offend anyone, but rather depict the reality of racism and a boy’s struggle and realization of what racism is.

To Be or Not To Be (Taught)...

As many critics, educators, parents, and especially students have already proven, this book has become controversial study material in the classrooms of many high schools. But, despite the heated debates that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn brings up due to constant use of the n-word and ill-moraled behavior, I strongly believe that this inspiring adventure novel should be one required during high school. One mother, Kathy Monteiro, asked, "How do you expect students to read the n-word but not use it outside the classroom?" and that the reading wouldn't able students to "feel like a human being" in class. However, Mark Twain didn't put in many n-words intending to offend his readers. Instead, he was portraying everyday life as he knew it to be, be it one ugly reality. Also, students nowadays say and hear harsher words than the n-word. In the hallways, almost every other word is the b-word or "f" this and that. (pardon my broken French). If parents, educators, schools, and other challengers feel that Huck Finn is an inappropriate novel for students our age, they are completely mistaken because we aren't as naive as they assume us to be. Not only does the immorality not matter, but the lesson Huck learns throughout the story is also inspiring and can be a life lesson to all of us. As he and Jim, a major character in Huck's life, become the best of friends, offering to each other what they lack, Huck learns the complex character that Jim is. Through this, he learns what Jim can do in his life and learns to trust and respect him.

SHould Huck Be Taught in Schools

To be blunt, yes. To be less than blunt, Huck needs to be taught in schools for the immense literary value that it carries with it. The use of the supposed "N word" is not grounds to keep it out of the curriculum once you consider its purpose. It is used as a real person would use it. It is used to exemplify the depth and humanity of Huck's character. It is used for the fact that it is such an ugly word, and that people did behave in such a manner. Perhaps more telling about the books satire is the fact that the N word's use was not the original cause for debate. Perhaps the simple fact that it was overlooked for so long, and eclipsed by the "itch" debate is what needed to be satirized. The book conveys incredible humanity, and to censor it or take it out of the curriculum is an insult paramount to demolishing Michaelangelo's David for it's supposedly questionable content.

Should Huck Finn be taught?

Without a doubt, Huck Finn is a very controversial on the issue of racism and the "n" word, and people take many different standpoints. However, there are a few things people need to understand and take into consideration before they blame Twain of being racist. Yes, the book uses the "n" word, and Jim, the main black character, may be portrayed as "stupid" as Kathy Monteiro might say, but, following and watching the complexity of Jim develop, I believe people will begin to take a different view point on him being portrayed as stupid. As said by David Bradley, Jim's character develops into the "true" Jim, who is smart, and hopeful, and complex, and I believe that is this portrayal of Jim that Twain wanted people to see. Additionally, I think, or more know, that calling Twain racist is an incorrect accusation, not only because of what was stated in the movie about him disliking slavery, but also because this book can also be seen as an anti-slavery novel. Furthermore, people may say that the book has "bad morals" and people are scared readers, especially teens, will pick up on these morals and use them, or use the language in the book. However, I would have to strongly disagree. I believe I can talk for the whole class in saying that we know not to use the language in this book and it merely reflects how the life was like during this time period. Lastly, David Bradley also mentioned how the "N" word is not accepted in "polite" conversation, but the book is not supposed to be polite conversation, it is supposed to reflect the time period and showing the grim realities of everyday life. So, overall, I believe that this book should be taught because although it may have language not appropriate today, it has a deeper meaning and moral which everyone can appreciate.

Should Huck Finn Be Taught in Schools?

Although globally admired, Huck Finn is a very controversial book. The repeated uses of the n-word offend people who still find this term insensitive and demeaning. One mother, Kathy Monteiro, says that each student should have the right to, “feel like a human being in the classroom,” and the reading of the n-word will prevent that from happening. (Ironically, this was not the grievance of previous generations, but instead Huck’s improper behavior and twisted morals.) However, writer David Bradley says that author Mark Twain believed in abolition. Bradley also argues that instead of supporting racism, Twain is commenting on the injustice of the lack of black rights. Huck, the narrator, changes his perspective as the novel progresses. As Huck begins to, “see Jim as a real person,” his point of view towards Jim changes. Jim becomes more complex as the novel develops, showing us his hopes, desires for freedom, and family life. By developing Jim as a character, Twain is mocking the people of the early 1900s’ narrow way of thinking, and challenging them to view African Americans in a different light. Rather than encouraging the degradation of the black race, Twain shows the similarities and “human,” qualities, making Huck Finn acceptable for today’s classrooms.

Culture Shock Response

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a widely reknowned novel, but it is also one of the most highly disputed and controversial works of literature in our history, if not the most. Constant use of the n-word in both dialogue and narration makes the read awkward for many students and teachers alike. But should this masterpiece novel be banned from highschools? I believe not. Although it is a highly offensive term that is used pervasively, it does not render the book vulgar or obscene. Mark Twain was merely using the dialect that was commonly thrown around in his time period, thus, did not mean to offend or degrade blacks. Some people would argue that only an African-American could understand the hurt and stigma that word carries, but people run into racial slurs all the time. I personally have been called a "filthy spic" or " drug mule" due to my Colombian herritage, but I don't find it terribly offensive. The words are just representation of ignorance, which was plentiful in that time period, also one of which Mark Twain was satiring. Mark Twain was not saying "****** should be hung" or personally insulting any blacks or purposly trying to demean their culture. He was just using realistic dialect that was used in his lifetime, since he was writing this novel as a realist. It's not rational for any black to take use of the n-word as a personal or cultural insult when it was written back in a time when it was socially acceptable and not purely a derrogitory term. Shelly Fisher Fishkin claims that since we do not teach books that use words "kike, honkey, or cracker" we should not teach books that use the n-word either. I disagree with this statement, because a book should not be banned for the sole use of one word, even if it is highly offensive when used in modern speech. The book is not teaching children to use the word; kids should understand that it is still not morally right to say this in the modern world. But the good of the book outweighs the bad in this case, and I believe it should still be taught in schools.

Huckleberry Finn

I think that "Huck Finn" should be taught in schools. If some of the people that read this book and say that it is a racist book need to ask a certain question. Those who are offended by the fact that the "n" word is used in this book should ask the question, was Mark Twain a racist? THis should allow the reader some insight into the perspective in this book. The purpose of this book is to be realistic, and to display in vivid REALISM what really happened back then and how blacks used to be treated. If african americans are offended so much by this book then maybe they should simply explain the circumstances to their teacher. For everyone else that is reading this book it allows the audience a good perspective into the southern lifestyle. If you were to walk down the halls of Fremd today and listen closely to the surrounding conversations, you will find that black people often refer to each other by the "n" word. If not in our school then definitely in down town chicago. As for the mother, Kathy Monterio, if her only argument against this wonderful american classic is that it uses bad language, then she needs to come back with an argument that is a little more substantial than "He says the N word!" David Bradley, the awesome dude with the beard, provided a well placed argument to why Huckleberry Finn SHOULD be taught in schools. Mark Twain did not sit down in his nice little hut and decided, Hm I'm going to write a book about a slave during the pre-civil war era and use the "n" word as many times as possible just to see how mad I can get them. Mark Twain sat down and wrote a literary classic that satirizes the hypocrisy and government of those times. Lastly, as the book continues on Twain develops the character of Jim to show the humanity in the book and that Jim carers for Huck and that Huck soon realizes that Jim is a human just like him no matter what color he is. Huckleberry Finn should absolutely be taught in public high schools because this book is a classic and there are more morals deep within the plot that have yet to be discovered-besides the "N" word.

Huckleberry Finn

Justin Park


I personally believe that Huck Finn should be taught in highschool. From a personal viewpoint, I can see clearly why the book is so well known, and established as a classic novel. I have continously found this book an enjoyable read, as it provides for adventure, realism, humor, satire, and even the occasional suspense. Mark Twain cleverly incorporates Huck as the main character and narrator, using the unusual but very interesting vernacular to depict the real life situations of the southern towns during the 1800s. Although numerous may find the use of the "n" word highly, with a racist "in your face" approach to the readers, along with the comical representation of the slave Jim, I have found myself in support of the argument stating that this epic novel did not have intentions of harm or lack of humanity. David Bradley, a speaker from the movie even states that Mark Twain was born and raised in a town supporting slavery, and meant for this particular novel to be a "satirical account to display racism and slavery to show its shame." Twain is also stated to have been an anti-racism supportter with anti-slaveholding morals. Miller in the movie states, "the "n" word is the term used at the time, and represents the UGLY reality. Twains purpose was realism, from a white mans point of view."I am not stating that the "n" word and several "racist" themse throughout the book will not offend some people, as everything is bound to be disagreed upon. I think that if a school should be torn over major controversy, than it should be made an optional read book, but in other cases, this great book should not be denied the opportunity to be taught to students because of the "n" word and "scratching" reocurring throughout the novel. As the story unfolds, "through the course of the novel, Huck realizes and understands what Jim actually is, and comes to respect him."
I find it disappointing that novels deemed anti-slavery by many, some blacks included, would be so drastically alienated, and misrepresented to become a perpetuation of racism in the minds of a few. While I see the argument that some make about the use of the "n word" being degrading, I think that on a whole they are missing the whole point of the novel, and require a better education and understanding of the meaning, and intention of Twain. I find that the fact that these few confused individuals are truly the ones bringing attention to a problem which many surely understood the meaning behind initially, and are merely getting in the way of the many more important messages the book has to offer. The novel itself is a classic of American literature and though many would say that we should just find another classic, no book better portrays the birth and influence of realism, and has caused so much social controversy than "The Adventures of Huck Finn." In this way the experience can not be replicated. While controversy might seem negative, this novel truly challenged the norms at the era, and over came them, standing the test of time, and progressing ideals that have proven to transcend time. If the overarching morales taught in the book can span more than an era, there is obviously much to be learned, and the oversensitivity, and the encroachment of political correctness would deny us and our future generations from partaking of this knowledge. Just because some people would choose to ban a single word, does not make it go away. People must learn to be respectful of the use of such words, and should, through confronting the conflict surrounding it, overcome the racist sentiment formerly related to the word. This is an ongoing practice, as seen through the word's use in popular culture in a more positive light by many prominent, and vocal figureheads in the last decade. Critics would have you ban the word from existence, but it will always be there lurking in the background for use by those would use it with the intention to harm, the revoking of this word would only make each use more powerful. By assimilating the word in a harmless manner, yet still accepting its painful past, and teaching ourselves to respect boundaries through regular contact, and recognition of its uselessness, and blind hate, we as a society might be able to progress, as we have been able to do to some extent with the same issues in the past.

Culture Shock: Born to Trouble Response

Although many view The Adventures of Huck Finn as a classic, ultimately, I believe that schools should not be required to teach it. Not only is the n-word used over 200 times in the novel, the word is still discriminating against black Americans in our society. According to Kathy Monteiro, most parents want their children to be free from degradation. However, when a book frequently uses the n-word, many students are likely to feel inferior and hurt from such an offensive word. Monteiro also suggests that instead of having Huck Finn required as part of an English curriculum, it can be made optional to avoid controversy. In another way, many feel as if Mark Twain was being racist when writing this novel. Although Twain had originally intended this novel to exemplify realism, the persistent use of the n-word proves inappropriate in a school setting. Literary scholar Shelley Fisher Fishkin explained how many parents thought the n-word suggested Mark Twain was racist, also making Huck Finn a racist novel. Moreover, not only does the n-word appear a great number of times, the movie also mentioned how parents were worried Huck would be a threat to their children's morals. Students may interpret Huck's behavior as okay and may believe that it's okay to be "blasphemous." For this reason, despite it being a national epic, Huck Finn should not be required to be taught in schools because of the potential threat it provides to many students, especially blacks.

Based on your current knowledge of Huck Finn (Chapters 1-10), your viewing of the first half of Culture Shock: Born to Trouble, and your personal experiences, explain whether or not HF should be taught in schools. Cite specific evidence. Please post as an author.

Consider the following questions as guides. "Why does this universally admired book offend so many? How do we distinguish between a critique of a social problem and the perpetuation of the problem? Does the required reading of prior generations have relevance for today's students?" (PBS)

Huck Finn

Lauren Pusateri

I believe 'The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn' should be taught in high school. One reason it that this is the only book I've actually enjoyed reading. It's one of the only 'classics' with action and adventure in it. Plus, it is written in an unusual way with vernacular, which exposes students to different styles of writing. If the only argument people come up with to not read the book is the use of the n-word and Huck 'scratches himself', then that's ridiculous. Students are exposed to these things on a regular basis. This is no reason to keep students from reading an American classic. David Bradly gives some good points in the film about Huck Finn's advisory and why it is wrong to ban it. He notes that this novel is simply and 'buddy novel' and often considered anti-slavery. If a school is torn apart by the ideas over a simple adventure book, then it should get ditched. But one parent shouldn't imposes his or her beliefs upon a whole school. In the movie parents and teachers seemed to get worked up over this novel because of the n-word. Although, in some cases this word can be used to be offending, students have heard much worse in their every day lives.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Further Instructions

Hi, folks. To clarify tonight's conversational analysis, here's the deal.
1. Read the NY times articles actively.
2. Write a 1-3 page conversational response to The Declaration of Sentiments. Analyze the piece by comparing the writing/style/purpose with The Declaration of Independence or the two pieces from the NY times. (If you choose this option, you're more likely to concentrate on the 'kairos' or relevance of The Declaration of Sentiments today and compare/contrast the purposes & strategies of each piece.) If you focus on the Declaration, your discussion might include an analysis of the pieces similarities and the purposes/effects of such, considering audience and argument strategies.

Of course, these are just suggestions. Enjoy.

Other reminders:
Friday: contest submission due
Saturday: If I can get it finished, you will have a [fun and esay] online form submission
Monday: REvision and developed PAPA due and WRITERS WEEK SUBMISSION DUE
Tuesday: self-graded AP prompt