This isn’t the first time that Mark Twain’s books and columns are being censored, as during his life he had been a typical Southerner who was sceptical about American unity. He considered it to be forced by the federal government in Washington. He wasn’t shy to hide his aversion to US imperial policies and was a staunch opponent of Theodore Roosevelt.
Twain understood that some of his views would not be understood by his contemporaries, which is why he ordered his autobiography – a 5,000 page manuscript – to be published 100 years after his death. He feared that it would be harshly censored by “progressives” from Washington in the early 20thcentury.
Even he couldn’t foresee what would become of an America shackled by political correctness in the 21th century.
The word “nigger” cannot be exchanged for “slave”, because it has a completely different semantic meaning
What would he say if he learned that after his death, some haunted corrector of the world would dare to censor one of his best works? Twain mercilessly shows the simplicity, xenophobia and racism, but also the good, helpfulness and the diligence and sense of freedom of the Southerners. The dialogue in the book is not pretty, it is authentic with all its bloodiness and vulgarity.
The word “nigger” cannot be exchanged for “slave”, because it has a completely different semantic meaning. That is why it is at the very top of the pyramid of banned phrases. Even saying the word, without using the euphemism “N-word” is regarded as racist.
Americans feel that they have been called to defend freedom of speech and freedom of press throughout the world. This is very commendable. Which is why they should give an example, that history, literature and art shouldn’t be censored under any circumstances.