Examines the ways in which students in basic writing respond to rhetorical constructions of their generation. Argues that compositionists' efforts to intervene and mediate society's conception of youth are complicated by students' simultaneous acceptance and rejection of these representations. Explores the subsequent implications for students' and…

Presents an intensive case study using ethnographic techniques to understand how teaching affects nonmainstream students, particularly Latinos. Suggests that much of the problem is students feeling out of place and notes that the writing teacher's role is finding ways to get students to come to class and motivate them to participate. (SG)

Argues that findings from interviews with basic writing students cast new light on the responsibilities teachers have toward basic writers. Suggests that teachers must help students understand what it means to be a basic writer and can help writers contest and refute their labels through the curricula in the writing courses. (NH)