Not that anecdotal evidence is all that important here, but when I read The Merchant of Venice, the antisemitism, and the fact that a very racist thing about Indian women is said in it was discussed.
Also, I don't think I ever say the book should be banned, and I explicitly said that I think changing the word is a bad idea. And I'm not even saying "GOD FORBID anyone should have to read something that makes them uncomfortable or sparks discussion about 19th century race relations in America." It should make people uncomfortable to remember that for a large chunk of American history individuals were considered property.
What I am saying is that acknowledging it makes people uncomfortable, having a little bit of empathy for the fact that they are uncomfortable, and not discounting their opinions because you think they're oversensitive, would not go amiss.
no subject
Also, I don't think I ever say the book should be banned, and I explicitly said that I think changing the word is a bad idea. And I'm not even saying "GOD FORBID anyone should have to read something that makes them uncomfortable or sparks discussion about 19th century race relations in America." It should make people uncomfortable to remember that for a large chunk of American history individuals were considered property.
What I am saying is that acknowledging it makes people uncomfortable, having a little bit of empathy for the fact that they are uncomfortable, and not discounting their opinions because you think they're oversensitive, would not go amiss.