N Word Update

This is a follow up to this post that I wrote a few weeks ago about a teacher who was trying to illustrate the power of words as an introduction to Huckleberry Finn (a required text for all students in Texas) by giving a district mandated lesson which required that she write the N word on the chalkboard. This offended a student who filed a formal grievance, requested that the teacher be disciplined and do community service, and for the book to be banned from the classroom. At the time, though a topic of interest because I do teach literature, I felt a little bit distanced from it, especially since I don't teach that particular text anymore (it's a junior level text and I teach seniors). Unfortunately, this incident sent all of the surrounding districts into a flurry of reactionary decisions, including my own, resulting in the banishment of the N word from our school.

What that means is that the teacher still HAS to teach the texts (To Kill a Mockingbird, Huck Finn, and Of Mice and Men), but they are not allowed to say the N word, the students are not allowed to say the N word, and no mention of the N word is allowed in any form (videos or tapes) in the classroom.

While I agree that the word is inappropriate to throw around, I feel strongly that decisions like these will allow the N word to remain powerful.

For the students it is almost impossible to read Huck Finn unless they read it aloud because it is mostly written in dialect. It is better for them to hear the words which is why the tapes are helpful when the teacher or the students need a break. But if they do read aloud, they now have to substitute the N word with another word. Suggestions are "slave" or "black man." How is that less controversial? (especially the latter?) And what happens if someone slips? Is there a consequence?

Also, the teachers cannot show Gregory Peck's brilliant performance in the classic To Kill a Mockingbird, nor can they watch Gary Sinise in Of Mice and Men. The visuals make the texts real, and the visual element is part of the literature course.

What are we doing in the name of political correctness? What are we doing as a result of one student's unfounded accusation? Winston's sole job in 1984 was to "delete" words, and his and his society's outcomes were ones of sheepish obedience. This is how society declines, and no amount of discussion over peppermint lattes (which is what I had with my boss, pre-decision) will fix it!