Final answer:
David L. Smith in his essay discusses the portrayal of African Americans in Mark Twain's novel and the broader implications of representation in literature, calling for a more nuanced and equitable approach to the narratives of Black Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Huck, Jim, and American Racial Discourse, David L. Smith explores the complexities of identity and representation of African Americans in literature, particularly in Mark Twain's Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Smith's critical analysis highlights the ways in which the novel reflects and challenges the racial attitudes of its time. He notes that while the character Jim is presented as a moral center, he is also the subject of ridicule and depicted through a lens of racial stereotypes. The use of pejorative language and heavy Black dialect in the novel is a focal point of contention and debate about its place in educational settings. Smith argues for the importance of recognizing the multiple and nuanced representations of African Americans rather than a singular, monolithic view, indicating that a content loaded narrative allows Black Americans to explore a richer emotional landscape and societal roles, akin to what White audiences have historically been offered in their cultural narratives.