Warning... (I said the word!)

This is tricky! I have to say, if I were an American Literature teacher and was in this situation, I would discuss the use of the n-word in class and allow it to be said by whoever of the students feels comfortable saying it. I agree with the bearded man in the video we watched that this word was obviously used by Twain for a reason and is an important part of this iconic book... Therefore it shouldn't be neglected, but it also shouldn't be over-dramatized. As was mentioned in the video, not saying the word or buying a book without the word seems to give it a lot more power than it deserves. It certainly was used as a negative word during Twain's time, but it also had different meanings according to the African American culture. Therefore, reading the word in class, though likely to produce some discomfort, may produce a realization that Twain intended his readers to have.

  If the use of the n-word were to become a huge deal in my classroom, I might allow special class time to discuss the use of the word and why it makes us uncomfortable or offended. If a class member were well beyond uncomfortable and admitted it, then I would respect their feelings and not speak the word in class. Overall, I think that the use of this word, nigger, in Huckleberry Finn should not be given the silly power that it is. I would never EVER call anyone by this word, but without context, I don't find it any worse saying the actual word than discussing it. I apologize if I offended anyone by actually saying the word, but, if I did, feel free to confront me about it.