Asserts that Steven Spielberg's film "Amistad" fictionalizes the overall facts of the case by inaccurately portraying many of the events that occurred. Explains that the myth-making tradition of Hollywood changes the messages derived from the Amistad court case. Critiques the teaching kit that corresponds to the movie. (CMK)

Presents comments on student alienation from the educational system in general and from history instruction in particular. Emphases are on the relationships between class cultures, school cultures, and family cultures. Concludes that history teachers must reexamine content as well as teaching methods. Journal available from Loren E. Pennington,…