Duluth school district drops 'To Kill a Mockingbird,' 'Huckleberry Finn' over racial slurs

[TexasTowelie]

Two classic American novels will no longer be required reading in eastern Minnesota schools because they contain racial slurs.

"The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" and "To Kill a Mockingbird" will be dropped from the Duluth school district's English classes next year. School officials said the move is part of an effort to be considerate to all students, particularly students of color.

District Director of Curriculum and Instruction Michael Cary told the Star Tribune that the decision follows years of concerns shared by parents, students and community groups.

The controversy over the two classic novels has been debated in school districts across the country.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/nationworld/ct-duluth-schools-classic-books-20180210-story.html

[Pope George Ringo II]

1. Brilliant way to fight racism.

This one surfaces every so often, and it doesn't get any smarter with each new repetition.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. That's just stupid.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. They should focus on the book, not the words.

[Rollo]

4. Great literature...

...tainted by its time and Twain's realism...

I wonder if his works could be taught with words more acceptable today, such as "brother"?

But of course such substitution could not erase the horror of the slave system he described.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

5. If it's hurtful for students of color to read, I support this.

[dflprincess]

6. If it's hurtful then the books aren't being presented properly

and the whole point of each one is being missed.

[WhiskeyGrinder]

7. Reading the n-word 200+ times as part of an assignment is hurtful no matter how you teach it.

[the_sly_pig]

8. Sticking your head in the sand....

Is poor substitute for education. Sticks and stones for crying out loud. The story and the message are important, not the words.