Official Student Newspaper of Henry M. Gunn High School
Con%3A+Should+racial+slurs%2C+language+be+censored+in+academic+literature%3F

Con: Should racial slurs, language be censored in academic literature?

While generally frowned upon when used as demeaning speech, racial slurs and stereotypes have long been present and a contentious issue in academic literature. Some believe that censorship of such offensive language is imperative in fostering a more equitable and accepting learning atmosphere. However, the suppression of racial slurs in educational settings could lead to unexpected adverse effects like exacerbating racism, obstructing free thinking and intensifying the ambiguity surrounding the subject. 

Censorship, often wielded as a weapon to manipulate reality and influence public opinion, is a dangerous practice that distorts truth. Rather than confronting the underlying issues of systemic racism and prejudice that pervade our society, censorship merely provides a superficial fix, hiding problems instead of facing them head-on. Within an academic setting, it’s crucial to foster an environment where open discourse and exploration of these sensitive topics can occur, even if they challenge the status quo. This kind of discussion is vital to students’ intellectual growth, and censorship threatens this freedom, stifling critical thinking and analysis.

For example, when students are studying a historical event and are censored from reading certain words or expressions, they may be limited to grasp the full complexities of the event and the motivations behind it. This can result in a one-dimensional, incomplete understanding of race. This lack of understanding can perpetuate negative stereotypes, and negatively impact students’ ability to critically analyze and engage with the material. This can lead to students accepting oversimplified or biased interpretations of events and perpetuating harmful stereotypes in their own lives and communities.

Counterintuitively, censorship of racial slurs can, in fact, exacerbate the very  prejudiced sentiments the policy is trying to eradicate. By removing these words from literature read in class, students won’t have a chance to grasp the historical and social significance in which they were employed. For instance, if students read a text delving into the Civil Rights Movement but are not allowed to examine the usage of racial slurs during that era, they will remain uninformed of the full extent of discrimination and bigotry African Americans endured. This fosters an atmosphere of ignorance and misinterpretation, which could impede advancement in combating racism and prejudice.

While certain terms have been employed as instruments of bigotry and white supremacy, it’s vital to remember that language, like society, undergoes constant evolution. To accurately judge the intention of an author who employs such words, individuals must contemplate the historical background in which it was used and the aim behind its usage. Take, for instance, the scenario where a writer employs racial satire in a mocking manner, aiming to expose and dismantle the racist connotations that the term embodies. If the censorship of such language prevails in educational institutions, learners may be deprived of the chance to participate in thought-provoking discussions and analyses of these sensitive topics.

It is important that we engage in open discourse, delve into the subject, and examine these issues in detail. This discourse is the only way to comprehend and tackle the current problems society faces. By exposing students to these provocative words and allowing them to reflect on their usage, they can become better informed and active members of society.

The Oracle • Copyright 2024 • FLEX WordPress Theme by SNOLog in

Donate to The Oracle
$550
$1000
Contributed
Our Goal

Comments (0)

All The Oracle Picks Reader Picks Sort: Newest

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *