Book of Negroes Title

Unfortunately, I wasn't present during the class discussion about the title of 'Book of Negroes'. But through reading a couple of articles about the subject, I've come to the conclusion that it was completely unnecessary to burn the cover of the book. Historically, book burnings are used to silence or suppress the voice of an author, or even a religion or culture. The harshness and publicity of the act is used -not to eliminate the issue at hand- but to bring shame and unpleasant attention to the author.

Although the title may be deemed offensive, I do not believe that it was intended in menacing way. This was what African Americans were historically called, and censoring the word 'Negro' was simply the author's decision to stay true to the past. It is a harsh title, but the content of the novel is harsh as well, so I believe that it is only fitting. It provides the reader with a little insight on what they are going to be reading. 'Someone Knows My Name' is a much softer title, and the someone picking up this novel may be shocked by the disturbing content.

The title 'Book of Negroes' also serves another purpose, Lawrence Hill has mentioned that the title of the book was also used to bring awareness back to the historical document of the same name. This document was a list of 3,000 African-American slaves who escaped to the British lines during the American Revolution and were granted freedom in Nova Scotia. Hill also mentioned that once people know the historical origins of the title of the book, they are often no longer offended by the title.

The censorship of this book is not necessary, especially censorship to the drastic point of burning books. Personally, I believe that the title of the book is suitable to the content and should not be changed.