John Foley

Based on the comments and questions I’ve received, I don’t think most people have really considered the issue of teaching novels with the N-word and demeaning stereotypes in public schools. Most simply have a knee-jerk reaction — “You can’t replace ‘Huck Finn!’ — that reveals a fear of change…One man said that I’m propelling the decline of Western Civilization, and while I have been lifting weights, I don’t think I could budge any part of Civilization. A woman said Mark Twain would be ashamed, and I’d disagree with her as well. In fact, I think Twain would be appalled that his classic is taught in schools. Studying a novel in class is like dissecting a bird — you learn much about the bird, but you lose life and loveliness. Literature is meant to be read alone and reflected upon in the quiet of your own mind…Still, some respected and very bright friends and colleagues have told me they disagree with me on the issue. I’m glad I provided my viewpoint because it’s a legitimate issue worthy of debate, but I am always open to the possibility that I’m full of crap. I admire the late Anthony DeMello, whose variation on the insipid “I’m Okay, You’re Okay” philosopy was, “I’m an Ass, You’re an Ass.” Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we could all say, “Hey, I’m an ass, and you’re an ass, so you want to grab some lunch?” I’ll sign off by paraphrasing that great American yogi and philosopher, Mr. Berra: “Most people are half-full of crap about a third of the time.”