In this rejoinder, we criticize Lynn and Meisenberg's (this issue) methods to estimate the average IQ (in terms of British norms after correction of the Flynn Effect) of the Black population of sub-Saharan Africa. We argue that their review of the literature is unsystematic, as it involves the inconsistent use of rules to determine the…

Francisco Rojas Gonzalez's 1944 novel "La negra Angustias" is recognized as the only novel of the Mexican Revolution that features a black woman military officer. Critics have observed that, although this semi-biographical novel portrays Angustias as a gender nonconformist who seeks justice for women and the poor, the conclusion ushers…

Discusses the depiction of women characters in the plays of Alice Childress. Analyzes "Wine in the Wilderness" to demonstrate Childress' skill at characterization and calls for further scholarship on this neglected playwright. (KH)

In Toni Morrison's fiction, codes, values, and standards are the polar opposite of those set forth and accepted by the dominant (white) culture. The work must be approached from an anthropological perspective, a holistic approach. (LHW)

Analyzes the keynote address to the 1976 Democratic Convention. Attributes its success to the skillful handling of the following dual and conflicting purposes: pleasing two unlike audiences; fulfilling the role expectations imposed on keynoters while avoiding triteness; and affirming Blackness and womanliness while avoiding stereotypes. (PD)

Contends that Eurocentric criticism cannot adequately explain or interpret the works of African American dramatists. The African American dramatist and his work should be interpreted by a member of his primary audience. (DM)

Highlights religious themes in Alice Walker's "The Color Purple," especially Celie's struggle with traditional Christianity, which here serves to reinforce oppression. Her journey toward spiritual independence reflects much of the actual religious experience of Black women in America. (DM)

Recognizes allegorical patterns controlling Chestnutt's novel, "The Marrow of Tradition," in response to criticisms concerning stereotyped characters and overplotting. Feels that Chestnutt is stating that given the death of benevolence in White society and the suicidal nature of violent Black retaliation, separatism alone offers Black…

Discusses three recent texts dealing with images of African Americans in contemporary art and media, arguing that there is a lack of black critics who can truly fulfill the role of criticism and interpret culture to create popular appeal. Suggests that black critics must interpret art for whites and then re-interpret it for blacks. (BCY)

Reviews the portrayal of Blacks in a number of films. Stresses that not only were opportunities for Black actors scarce until recently, but that those Black roles that did exist were principally fashioned from Whites' misconceptions and stereotypes of Blacks. (GC)

Provides critical commentary on Nicholas Eberstadt's assertion that low-weight births and infant mortality among blacks in Washington, DC, is mainly the result of high rates of illegitimacy and other parental behaviors. Nicholas Eberstadt's response is included. (GLR)

Examines difficulties children may have in reading Virginia Hamilton's "M. C. Higgins, the Great"; discusses the book and shows how teachers can promote children's appreciation for it by discussing some basic traditions as they appear in the book and by bringing into play children's knowledge of their own belief systems. (ET)

Multicultural literature is one good way to raise children's awareness of diversity, but how does one decide what constitutes "good" multicultural children's literature? Most any book can be critiqued from numerous perspectives: first and foremost is the book's literary quality--plot, character development, setting, themes, and style; of…

Analyzes the speeches and writings of Jose Angel Gutierrez. His rhetoric, like that of earlier Black radicals, creates a new term--Chicano--sufficiently powerful to act as the rallying cry in the struggle for social change; restructures the experienced reality of the audience; and uses threats of violence. (JMF)

Responds to J. P. Rushton's contention that blacks are small-brained, oversexed criminals who multiply at a fast rate and are afflicted with mental disease. The author shows Rushton's views have virtually no scientific basis and were arrived at through unscientific methodology and literature based on racist prejudice. (GR)