After our discussion in class, how do you feel about the title The Book of Negroes? Please comment on censorship, the book burnings, and the appropriateness of the title. Based on what you already know about the novel, what other names might be fitting?
I personally think that the title of the book is very appropriate, since it is the name of a historical document. While the word "Negro" may have different connotations depending on geography, it is hard to criticize the title once you know what it is actually referring to. Perhaps those who think that the book needs a new title should take it up with the person centuries ago who originally named the Book of Negroes. The book burnings that took place in the Netherlands only happened because some people thought the title was offensive, but the rest of the book was fine. Maybe there was a mistranslation and the title did sound like more of a racial slur, or maybe the word "Negro" is just perceived differently there. However, I think Hill should be able to call his book whatever he wants, whether he intends it to be offensive or not.
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