The Real-Life Value Of Fictional Racism In The Classroom | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Real-Life Value Of Fictional Racism In The Classroom

Did that kid just say the "N" word?

15
The Real-Life Value Of Fictional Racism In The Classroom
Huffington Post

Power of the written word has successfully propelled countless political and social movements over the course of the U.S.’s existence, igniting flames in the belly of our nation. Recall Sojourner Truth’s ever-powerful "Ain’t I A Woman," demanding recognition of personhood and Martin Luther King’s "Letter From a Birmingham Jail" stirring unrest amongst tumultuous, racial oppression. Deep-seeded emotions pour out of every vowel and consonant of these works in order to effectively portray what some endured and others did not: sub-personhood, unprovoked abuse, and blind hatred. The United States’ history is littered with perfect examples of how not to act toward fellow human beings, and as a nation, we must take even fictional accounts of such struggles seriously and learn from them.

We have all fallen victim to those uncomfortable moments in school when you are forced to read inappropriate words or phrases aloud and must pretend you didn’t just say something crude enough to make your grandma faint. However, Grandma is not the one who still has growing up to do; you are. It is unfashionable snooty to deny the educational value and literary impact of books due to its jarring content, for reading any piece of literature that leaves you with the same mentality as before you started is not worth picking up. Words are to be interpreted, digested, and felt so that humans can experience things that did not happen in their space of existence. I was fortunate enough to matriculate through a school system that included controversial novels in its required reading, including Harper Lee’s "To Kill A Mockingbird"and John Steinbeck’s "Of Mice and Men," books that altered my way of perceiving society. The sense of the first-person perspective that literature offered me was the difference between shallow recognition of the depicted inequality and actual sympathy based in true comprehension. Had my town of Oxford, Connecticut moved to ban said books over racial slurs, as countless districts and countries have, I might not be the open-eyed intellectual I am today.

There is no denying that demeaning profanities aimed at specific walks of life are upsetting, but reflection on past blatant mistreatment of minorities, namely those who identify as black, is an essentially constructive aspect of improving our the country as a whole. Fiction can pack the same punch as nonfiction when it comes to recounting horrific racism if it is written honestly, without blurring the cruelty displayed by those who possess what African philosopher Charles W. Mills calls “whiteness” as opposed to “non-whiteness.” And who are we to critique the linguistic abilities and choices of renowned authors of Lee and Steinbeck’s caliber? Perhaps the real reason why racially-focused books are often shunned by American school districts is a shame. They are ashamed of what once was, and what still escapes from muffled mouths. By no means is throwing the N-word around like a trendy greeting the solution to teaching tolerance and facing reality, nor should it be used in any context aside from historical, but its presence in socially stimulating novels serves as a powerful teaching tool. If the exposure of racial slurs generates compelling emotions and starts a discussion within the classroom, we know literature has done its job.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Taylor Swift in orange dress playing a moss-covered piano on stage with bright lights.

A three-and-a-half-hour runtime. Nine Eras. Eleven outfit changes. Three surprise songs. Zero breaks. One unforgettable evening. In the past century, no other performer has put on an electric performance quite like Taylor Swift, surpassing her fans ‘wildest dreams’. It is the reason supporters keep coming back to her shows each year. Days later, I’m still in awe of the spectacle ‘Miss Americana’ puts on every few days in a new city. And, like one of Taylor’s exes, has me smiling as I reminisce about the memories of the night we spent together.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

23683
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9889
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

7164
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments