What Does The Word Nigger Mean

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The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a novel that has sparked significant controversy. It is arguable that it is controversial for more than just one reason, but in actuality it is because the word “nigger” is used “almost one occurrence on every page”. The “N” word today is not an acceptable word to use to refer to African Americans, but in the setting of the deep south in the mid to late 19th century the use of the word “nigger” is acceptable for the reason that at this time the African American race was for the most part enslaved and that was simply the type of language used. In this rural part of the country along the Mississippi river, society is dominated by the white race and the old confederate ways of slavery and cruelty towards the African American race exist. This being said at this time people with black skin were not equal, along with women and also children. Because of the time period this story takes place the “N” word is an acceptable word and not frowned upon like today . That being said when the white slave owners called their slaves “nigger” they were still…show more content…
It actually shines more of a positive light. Jim, who was a slave for Miss. Wilson was escaping slavery when Huckleberry stumbled across him on the island Huck had been camping on after his escape. As the days go on and more adventure finds Jim and Huck, Jim is shown as “a kindly, loyal, and noble character” (Hyejin) towards Huck and also to everyone else they came across. Jim teaches us that despite what color your skin is, you still treat everyone with respect and kindness. Jim is a model human being and without this novel it would be difficult to grasp the lessons The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn teaches children in school today. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn “aides in developing a moral consciousness within students….” (Leider) and is needed in schools all across the
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