Thank you, Michael, for pointing us to this link. After it played, an interview with Gribben (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#40932675) played automatically. Interestingly, in it he characterizes the n-word as "incidental" to the story. His perspective continues to astonish me. I can hardly think of a better example of a single word that is CENTRAL to a story. I should probably mention here (probably should have mentioned it in my prior comments) that I have a background in linguistics. If one sits down and builds a semantic structure analysis of "nigger" (a hierarchical diagram of all the components of meaning attached to the word), it quickly becomes clear that these are the same elements on which the story turns. Huck is immersed in -- and judging himself deeply flawed for failing to align his heart with -- a world view wholly defined by the semantic structure of that single word. The very suggestion that such a pivotal term is incidental suggests a quite unsophisticated understanding of the nature of language. I don't know Dr. Gribben. He seems like a very nice man, and I appreciate his many contributions to the study of Twain's works. But his conclusions in this case are unambiguously flawed. I do agree with others here who have contended that this is not EXACTLY censorship. It is, however, a perfect example of bowdlerization, which is a component of censorship and keeps all the same unsavory company. Dan Davis Atlanta, GA -----Original Message----- From: Mark Twain Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Michael Patrick Hearn Sent: Thursday, January 06, 2011 3:42 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: Brian Williams on the "new" HUCK ________________________________ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/#40934174 Scroll down to "Huck Finn."