I agree with Nat Hentoff that the book "Huck Finn" should be read in all public schools across the nation. Whether or not we want to admit it, racism did, and always will, exist within our society. It is only through discussing that racism at a young age, and by confronting the ideas of racism that we can teach children how to accept all colors and creeds.

A also agree that the portrayal of Jim in "Huck Finn" is that of a positive one. While there is no question of the racist world he is living in, Huck doesn't see those issues, and accepts Jim for who he is. That in and of its self is enough of a reason to teach the novel, in my opinion. Children of all ages need to learn to accept others, and the positive portrayal of Jim is a positive experience for all who read the novel.

Hentoff is correct, in that unless we allow the teaching...

It is only through teaching from the books and novels, written in words and languages used in the time frame, that people are able to learn about the history of their nation, their peoples, and their cultures. Without the historical context, the entire point of the story would be lost.
Perhaps the NAACP should be less concerned about the "Tax dollars...[being] used to perpetuate a stereotype" and should be more concerned, as Hentoff is, about teaching children how to confront racism and defeat it (Hentoff, A23). If we all taught the lessons that Huck learned through he and Jim's trip down the river, perhaps the world would be a better place. Hentoff seems to think so, and I heartily agree.

References

Hentoff, Nat. "NAACP wants Huck Finn Expelled." International Herald Tribune 27 November, 1999: A23.