Rethinking Offensive Language in Literature

The chapter explores the debate surrounding offensive language in classic literature and children's books, discussing the impact of removing words like the N-word from works by authors such as Mark Twain. The speaker reflects on the role of sensitivity readers and the balance between acknowledging progress and maintaining the authenticity of original texts. They delve into the complexity of rewriting older children's texts to align with modern standards while emphasizing the importance of engaging children with challenging content to facilitate conversations and understanding.