It was recently announced that Mark Twain’s iconic novel, “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn,” is getting a facelift, one we at The Viking Views like to think of as seriously botched. NewSouth Books in Alabama is planning on releasing an adjusted version of “Huck Finn,” with “slave” serving as a replacement for the n-word. In addition, “Injun Joe” will now be known as “Indian Joe,” and all other mention of the slang term “injun” will also be changed to “Indian.”

Yes, the n-word is an offensive term. We in no way condone the liberal use of it in every day conversation. However, in both literary and historical context, the repeated use of the word is completely justified. The novel was published in 1885, a time when the n-word was somewhat less taboo. It is unlikely Twain used more derogatory terms in an effort to offend his readers. Twain easily could have chosen “slave” or “Indian” himself. He chose that specific diction for a reason, and for people now, who are more than 100 years removed from the situation, to decide the language is inappropriate is ridiculous. Mark Twain, who opposed censorship, would be displeased.

We at The Viking Views believe that “Huck Finn,” in its original form, being part of the sophomore English curriculum for years should not be edited. By the time students reach their sophomore year, most are already aware of swear words and offensive slang terms. If corruption of childhood innocence is a concern, it is our society that should be held responsible, not classic literature.