The vast majority of books deemed “classics” by literary critics are plagued with subtle to blatant racism. While these works usually contain sophisticated and near-revolutionary writing, it is morally wrong to excuse, justify or ignore comments made or stereotypes reinforced by authors. I have never been one to argue against reading, and that’s not what I’m doing. Plenty of older books have real value in reading, even if they are shadowed by judgements that add no quality to the writing. What is inexcusable, though, is to pretend that older works don’t sell blatant offenses to their audience. Books should be read critically, no matter how they’re regarded by historians or litterateurs.