EFFIE BATEMAN | BRISBANE| CONTACT
Rife with symbolism, and themes of social justice, morality and destruction of innocence, To Kill a Mockingbird not only earnt itself a place in pop culture but quickly became a staple favourite for high school essays.
However, despite its success and praise from critics, many have called for the 1964 classic to be taken away from reading curriculum for its candid exploration of racism – which is a fancy way of saying the book contains quite a few racial slurs.
Though banning the books seems akin to turning a blind eye to modern American history and avoiding an uncomfortable discussion, the fear that racially charged language could make some students feel marginalised is something that should be acknowledged.
But one person who takes no umbrage at this novel is English teacher, Mr Andrew Mathieson.
In fact, he’s quite looking forward to what he considers a ‘cathartic release.’
You see, as someone who feels quite marginalised for being one of the few male teachers at his school, Mr Mathieson gets quite the kick out of saying a slur to a group of impressionable students.
Because if anyone objects, he can just feign ignorance with the good ol’ ‘I’m a boomer and I didn’t know’ card.
Adding that he’ll make sure to stress that the word should only be used in a ‘historical context’, Mr. Mathieson assures our reporter he has no concerns about his student’s reactions as ‘you can’t sugar coat the past.’
More to come.
