Investigates the ways that backlash pedagogy, a centerpiece of educational reform, accepts substantial inequality as a neutral baseline for educational practice and reform and, simultaneously, enshrines the status quo. The analysis draws on several theoretical lenses (cultural-historical activity theory, critical race theory, and ethnographic…

Examines the film, "The Harder They Come," asserting that narratives constituting the supposedly subversive representation of Jamaican society contribute to mis-recognition of the white Jamaican ruling class and its dominating role that the film portrays. This movie helped mobilize a nationalist political process that included black, working…

Discusses the reaction of feminist students at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee) to a photograph, "Heaven and Hell" (A. Serrano), on the cover of the book "Arresting Images: Impolitic Art and Uncivil Actions" (S. Dubin). Their position that the photograph promotes violence toward women is one interpretation; another is that it is a powerful…

Describes the diverse assumptions and practices defined under the banner of cultural studies, suggesting how the field might have important consequences for individuals concerned with reforming schools and colleges of education. The paper addresses how progressive educators might contribute, examining how the field could be included in the larger…

Barbie is presented as the perfect cultural site for interrogating margins, borders, and contradictions in females' lives. This article illuminates such issues by interrogating the "cumulative cultural text of Barbie." Texts criticized are: Barbie collector cards; "Barbie" and "Barbie Fashion" comic books; "Barbie, The Magazine for Girls"; and the…

Ngugi wa Thiong'o is widely acknowledged in Africa as a towering figure of African literature, criticism, and political and social commentary. This review examines Ngugi's work as it relates to African cultural studies and cultural studies in general, noting his search for a common global culture and a world language. (SM)

Earth's current ecological crisis, rooted in modernist culture, threatens extinction in a historically distinct new manner. Western educators have responded by creating environmental education. Many educators' and authors' voices are the living roots of a transformative and prophetic holistic education for a postmodern world and must be heard…

Discusses "Strengthening Collegiate Education in Community Colleges" (J. S. Eaton) and "The Contradictory College" (K. J. Dougherty), two conflicting perspectives on community colleges' roles. Argues that both fail to consider the changing needs of today's diverse students. Multiculturalism and commitment to education as democratic practice…