Longtime fan, now teaching The Shining in HS English class

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jumary

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Nov 21, 2014
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Hi, I am a high school English teacher in Florida. I am teaching a semester focused on the horror genre, so naturally I am using Stephen King. I also decided to have my students read The Shining, but now I'm a bit worried about KIng's use of the N-word and several other racial slurs. I am hoping I don't get call from parents, although I am still glad the students are reading, and liking, the book.
 

jumary

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Nov 21, 2014
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I did talk to the students before they started it and told them they could read something else if they thought some of he material might be offensive. I think that only made them more curious! Most really like the book, but I probably should have talked with parents before starting it. Now it might be a bit too late. This might be one time when I hope some of the students don't read certain chapters.

Thanks
 

Spideyman

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Jul 10, 2006
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Hi and welcome-
The use of the "N" word has been discussed before on the MB. Flake Noir is spot on with her answer.
Here is MsMods reply to just that question:

March 26th, 2012, 06:40 AM
I'm just wondering why Mr King has to use the "N" word in just about all of his novels?

Moderator
March 26th, 2012, 10:44 AM
The characters who use the word are the types of people who would so he is creating realistic dialogue and it creates a visceral reaction in most people to further connect to their distaste of a character because of it.
 

BrokenWords

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Nov 22, 2014
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I was going to ask how that was going. I know that many parents don't like Mr. King's writing because of the use of raical slurs, profanity and whatnot and I know that his books get banned from schools often. How is the administration taking you teaching The Shining as well? Sorry for the questions and sorry if they seem intrusive, but I like to keep up on those types of things. I think it's completely useless and unnecessary to ban books and it often I get to discuss such.
 

Bryan James

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Apr 3, 2009
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Context.

~~~
Bodhi was a good cook when I met him, when he gave me his pan bread and lentils after I fell full at his door. Water first, and then he fed me, light over days. And he cleaned me. After I came around, I noticed that the second version he offered was spiced with turmeric and toasted sesame. Small bits of goat.

That first serving was bland on purpose. I knew then that he was not a good cook, but he was something other. Something I never expected. Something more.

I had been sent to kill him.

And he knew it.
~~~

Anyway, now is either not the time or it is the perfect time to give your students the absolute duty to judge how they view others by THEIR OWN difference to that which is external to them.

Good luck with them.
 
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Dana Jean

Dirty Pirate Hooker, The Return
Moderator
Apr 11, 2006
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The High Seas
Context.

~~~
Bodhi was a good cook when I met him, when he gave me his pan bread and lentils after I fell full at his door. Water first, and then he fed me, light over days. And he cleaned me. After I came around, I noticed that the second version he offered was spiced with turmeric and toasted sesame. Small bits of goat.

That first serving was bland on purpose. I knew then that he was not a good cook, but he was something other. Something I never expected. Something more.

I had been sent to kill him.

And he knew it.
~~~

Anyway, now is either not the time or it is the perfect time to give your students the absolute duty to judge how they view others by THEIR OWN difference to that which is external to them.

Good luck with them.
I got to see Salman speak. He was fantastic. Smart, funny just worth every minute.
 

Neesy

#1 fan (Annie Wilkes cousin) 1st cousin Mom's side
May 24, 2012
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Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Hi, I am a high school English teacher in Florida. I am teaching a semester focused on the horror genre, so naturally I am using Stephen King. I also decided to have my students read The Shining, but now I'm a bit worried about KIng's use of the N-word and several other racial slurs. I am hoping I don't get call from parents, although I am still glad the students are reading, and liking, the book.
The N-word? Considering the book was written so long ago, you could perhaps explain that things were a bit different back then? I dunno - I am Canadian so have not run into a lot of racism up here.

Welcome to the SKMB and I hope your students get a lot out of your lessons - good for you!
:clap:

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Bryan James

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Apr 3, 2009
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Salmon, Rush, Dee?
 

jumary

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Nov 21, 2014
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Moderator
March 26th, 2012, 10:44 AM
The characters who use the word are the types of people who would so he is creating realistic dialogue and it creates a visceral reaction in most people to further connect to their distaste of a character because of it.

I completely agree. In The Shining, it is actually the hotel, which is pure evil, that uses the word and several other racial slurs. I did warn my students before they started reading, and so far have had no complaints. Actually, most are loving the book.
 
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jumary

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Nov 21, 2014
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I was going to ask how that was going. I know that many parents don't like Mr. King's writing because of the use of raical slurs, profanity and whatnot and I know that his books get banned from schools often. How is the administration taking you teaching The Shining as well? Sorry for the questions and sorry if they seem intrusive, but I like to keep up on those types of things. I think it's completely useless and unnecessary to ban books and it often I get to discuss such.

I have had it on my syllabus since August, and no one in the administration has questioned me. My guess is that none have ever read the book - they have just heard that it is scary. The atmosphere at the school right now is a bit inflexible. My only concern is that a few parents might get upset and complain, and then the school would likely hammer me. The "leaders" usually panic when parents (private school) become upset. In this case, I think I actually hope a few of my students don't read all of the chapters.
Still, thanks for all your support here. I am ready in case I am challenged. There is plenty of literature with similar language. Huckleberry Finn is full of such words, yet it gets the "classic" label.
Since I am teaching a semester on horror, I feel The Shining has to be part of the curriculum.
 

Cristian M

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Mar 2, 2014
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Bucharest, Romania
I have had it on my syllabus since August, and no one in the administration has questioned me. My guess is that none have ever read the book - they have just heard that it is scary. The atmosphere at the school right now is a bit inflexible. My only concern is that a few parents might get upset and complain, and then the school would likely hammer me. The "leaders" usually panic when parents (private school) become upset. In this case, I think I actually hope a few of my students don't read all of the chapters.
Still, thanks for all your support here. I am ready in case I am challenged. There is plenty of literature with similar language. Huckleberry Finn is full of such words, yet it gets the "classic" label.
Since I am teaching a semester on horror, I feel The Shining has to be part of the curriculum.
You should not be so worried about the N word. Blacks call other blacks N word on a daily basis, so its not always offensive, its like a "bro" or "dude" word for them, or even a compliment (strong / fast / hard working like a N...er).
 

jumary

Member
Nov 21, 2014
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You should not be so worried about the N word. Blacks call other blacks N word on a daily basis, so its not always offensive, its like a "bro" or "dude" word for them, or even a compliment (strong / fast / hard working like a N...er).
Thanks. I know that people do use those words, So far, I think I have dodged a bullet. This is private school, and, unfortunately, some of the parents can be difficult. Still, I'm glad I assigned it, and most students are liking it.