I may have been unclear in my original post. I am *not* advocating that the originals be changed; what I'm focusing on is live readings/performances, where those present could be of all ages, from babes-in-arms to grumpy geezers. - B. Clay Shannon

      From: Jon Kerr <[log in to unmask]>
 To: [log in to unmask] 
 Sent: Wednesday, January 4, 2017 10:26 AM
 Subject: Re: Use of the N-word
   
I agree with other posters that it is a very slippery slope once we start
to sanitize or otherwise censor language - even for the most benign
reasons. Political correctness often incorrectly substitutes style for
substance.

But I also appreciate Clay's points, especially since my recently described
experience with an audio tape of Huck Finn being accidentally heard by
others. This forum is not an average audience. We don't always have time to
explain the historical context of Clemens' era and language. It certainly
can, and does turn off some individuals we want to appreciate his overall
message which is timeless.

I would at least expect that if Clay or anyone is substituting for Twain's
words that they are at least making it very clear to the audience exactly
what they are doing, and why. Perhaps it can even be an opportunity to
encourage reading the original language and appreciating the history even
more. It is somewhat reminiscent of debate over how translations from one
language can water down meaning even while broadening the audience able to
listen.

This is a tough one that deserves more discussion.

Jon Kerr



On Tue, Jan 3, 2017 at 8:35 PM, Dave Davis <[log in to unmask]>
wrote:

> If we can tolerate the prescribed reading of a Bible in which God
> allows Satan to murder Job's children, just to make a point*, or to
> have a couple of bears eat 42 children, again, just to show who's side
> He's on, we can surely tolerate -- in context -- the offense to our
> eyes from a term which was certainly the one that would have been
> uttered by the characters at the time.
>
> Or we can ditch realism, and authenticity, and Bowlderize a text which
> help produce and propagate that very liberalism of spirit which we, of
> the enlightened 21st century, are all so concerned to signal to each
> other, lest we be mistaken for bigots.
>
> Sheesh.
>
>
> DDD
>
> *It's OK. He gave him new children later. To make up for it.
>
> [re: The Bible] It is full of interest. It has noble poetry in it; and
> some clever fables; and some blood-drenched history; and some good
> morals; and a wealth of obscenity; and upwards of a thousand lies.
> - MT, Letters from the Earth
>