Huckleberry Finn in High Schools :: essays papers

Huckleberry Finn in High Schools High Schools in the United States should not ban The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This book is one of the most important components of American literature in our libraries today, it throws the reader into a time when slavery was lawful and accepted, and gives the reader a new perspective on slavery in general. Until civil rights groups can come up with a better argument than the word â€Å"nigger† creating a â€Å"hostile work environment†(Zwick) it should not be taken off the required reading list of any High School in the country. Every one hundred years dialects change and what is considered â€Å"politically correct†, or socially acceptable, changes. â€Å"David Bradley argues that ‘if we'd eradicated the problem of racism in our society, Huckleberry Finn would be the easiest book in the world to teach’† (Zwick, Jim. â€Å"Should Huckleberry Finn Be Banned?†). If we, as a nation, make it a point to rule out all books that could possibly offend students, then every hundred years or so our library of American Literature will be completely different. Even today, modern day authors use vulgar language, lurid sexual content, and racial slurs to get their point across. If The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is taken off of required reading lists across the country, then that could create a never-ending cycle of books being taken off of school shelves every time words and ideas become unacceptable. If this is the way that American society is turning then something must be done, and the Superintendents, Deans, and Principals of every High School around the country must take it upon themselves to do it because the students will not. The people who are trying to ban The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn are only trying to block out a part of American history that they would just as soon be forgotten, but every part of American history needs to be dealt with and accepted by everyone at a young age. Trying to shield students from any important part of history is a crime within itself. Hannibal, Missouri is a prime example of this type of crime. Every year they have a citywide celebration of Mark Twain, but they do not celebrate The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn or The Tragedy of Pudd'nhead Wilson nor do they teach it in their schools. Best stated by Shelly Fisher Fishkin, the theater company in Hannibal â€Å"was upholding a long American tradition of making slavery and its legacy and blacks themselves invisible†(Zwick, Jim.

Ethics in Fashion

Ethics in fashion Brands such as Hollister, Superdry and Jack Wills are in high demand at the moment. These fashion giants make billions of pounds a year selling top of the range clothing, specifically designed for 14-18 year olds. These brands all follow strict ethical policies, for example Jack Wills is part of the Ethical Trading Initiative, which is an alliance of companies working together to improve the lives of poor and vulnerable workers in the countries in which these clothes are produced. Although over half of Britain’s consumers think that the ethical production of the clothes they buy is important many companies cast a blind eye towards the production environment of their clothes. Their workers may have decent working conditions, get paid fair wages most of the time. A problem is the conditions and wages of other workers, who may not be directly employed to the company. These are called sub-contractors. Such things often take place in third world, developing countries, and are usually a first step for industrialising economies. This has already resulted in widespread poverty reduction, access to skills and sustainable livelihoods for some of the most disadvantaged communities in the world. For example, in Bangladesh 70% of GDP (gross domestic product) comes from the fashion industry. However it is not just the production of these clothes that makes the public question their morals, problems have arisen within the stores. In August 2011 Hollister were charged with discrimination towards one of their Muslim employees, who was criticised for wearing a hijab in store. Months later two stores in America were noticed for not following the Disabilities Act, due to the fact that they have a porch-like entrance that contains steps while customers in wheelchairs have to access the stores through automatic side doors rather than the main entrance. Customers felt that they were being ‘separated’. Furthermore, in November 2010, Hollister prevented an employee from wearing a red poppy into work. This sparked controversy, and attracted unwanted attention from the media. Human rights activists have also pointed out the various ethical issues behind the preparation of fashion products. When companies are not following a strict policy, and sometimes even when they are, workers can be treated very badly. Extremely low wages, long hours, unsafe working conditions and harassment are some of these issues. Additionally, environment protection activists have brought up ethical issues related to the fashion industry time and time again. The main complaint is about the production of cotton, and how a large amount of pesticides are used. The use of toxic pesticides leads to air, water and soil pollution. These are detrimental to the health of the workers applying them, and people living nearby. All of these issues would have been impossible to unearth had it not been for the power of the media. Technology such as mini cameras and microphones made it possible for journalists and in some cases the ordinary public, to go undercover into one of these stores. The media can also publish stories and pictures to a wide range of people, thus making more people aware. The concept of ethical fashion is old; however it has gained more popularity recently. This may be due to the fact that fashion is changing and developing even more resulting in unethical shortcuts being made. These shortcuts may not always be in the best interest of the environment, or indeed the employees. Also, as awareness about environment conservation, cruelty to animals and ethical issues in business is rising, fashion brands are also increasingly adopting ethical means. Customers are also becoming more aware, and consequently the demand for ethically produced clothing is on the rise.

Essay Equality and Citizenship - 1021 Words

At the end of the Civil war, the Union was faced with rebuilding a war torn nation. The North and South were no longer at war but their differing views on government, race, and individual rights created a deep divide in the country. The war brought freedom to 3.5 million former slaves but also for many women. (Gillon Matson p.571) With men at war or not returning from the war, women possessed a new level of independence. Blacks and women wanted to be treated fair; they wanted their voices to have relevance in the shaping America. Most of all they wanted equality and citizenship. Many ex-slaves struggled to reposition themselves in this new free country. They found it challenging to move beyond farming or working on the†¦show more content†¦(Gillon p.580) During the period of Reconstruction, the movement for women’s rights resurfaced. Deriving knowledge gained from the antislavery movement and the appeal for black suffrage women demanded enfranchisement. Advocates for both Black and Women’s rights originally worked together since both sides were fighting for â€Å"equal citizen rights†. However, as the cry for black suffrage overwhelmed the nation, women’s rights were pushed aside. Political advocates felt that it was necessary to handle each group separately and black suffrage was the most pressing issue. In 1866 to 1870 the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments were passed and ratified. (Gillon p.577) The Amendments were met with jubilation from the Ex-Slaves and their advocates, but divided the women rights movement for generations to come. (Gillon p.581) The Fourteenth Amendment defined American citizenship and guaranteed equal protection under the law. (Gillon p.577) A key objective of the Fourteenth Amendment was to ensure that blacks were treated justly in the Southern states. (Gillon p.577) However, the Amendment did not enfranchise black men. While, the Fourteenth Amendment declared fairness to all citizens, it also defined â€Å"citizens† as â€Å"male†. Which signified the Constitution would no longer be gender-blind, but would disfranchise women. (Buescher p.1) The Fifteenth AmendmentShow MoreRelatedWe Must Define Nation First1293 Words   |  6 Pagesand willingly at times and unconsciously and unwillingly at other times. Some political thinkers maintain that the state is the most important concern of modern political theory. Concepts that we study in the political theory- rights, democracy, equality, liberty are based on the relationship between state and those living within it. Opinion of Aristotle says that â€Å"The state is an organization consisting of some families and villages. Woodraw Wilson, a political analyst, believes that State is aRead MoreCanada s Protection Of Its Rights1392 Words   |  6 Pagesamendment to its Citizenship Act in the form of Bill C-24, or the â€Å"Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act†. 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