Week 9 Discussion

It is hard to find a balance both accuracy in history and current sensitivity when deciding whether or not to change literary writings to remove uncomfortable stuff. Flannery O’Connor, whose writing often reflects the racial tensions of the deep South, uses language purposefully to highlight the terrible realities of the times rather than to support them. Removing or changing these terms runs the danger of weakening the force of her social criticism and confusing the historical setting of her works.However it’s also important to recognize the impact that some words may do to readers in the present day. Even in literary or historical contexts, some argue that using slurs of race can insult and disengage listeners, especially those who are usually left out. Offering critical openers or comments that place the language within its literary and historical contexts might be a solution that enables readers to interact with the book while understanding the reasons for its controversial parts. In the end, keeping the original language keeps the integrity of the work while providing chances for meaningful conversation on racism, history, and the function of literature in reflecting and questioning cultural standards.