Is Huckleberry Finn A Racist Book? “Conservatives once criticized Huck for condemning racism; liberals now criticize it for being racist. They object to the language, racial slurs and the depiction of Jim. But once readers get beyond shocking language, a rewarding experience awaits. Huck taught right, in context of the time and balanced by perspectives from minority writers, can be a terrific way for African Americans, and others, to get in touch with their pasts and to prepare for the future. The story transcends race. Huck and Jim build a relationship on respect and loyalty. That’s a lesson far more valuable than any harm claimed by critics. Twain wrote