An analysis of the influence of the mass media on the moral state of Russian society discerns negative consequences of that influence, and sees the mass media (particularly television) as involved in the cultural degradation of the population. It argues in favor of state, social, and pedagogical controls to facilitate a more positive role of the…

Argues that the emergence and popularity of talk radio should inform students of public argument about current rhetorical practices. Considers two interrelated themes: lack of a viable civil society able to serve as a mediating force between market excesses and the government's distance; and the absence of public space to provide opportunity for…

In this article, the author discusses how contemporary popular culture influences religious meaning of people in pluralistic society. One such powerful media that influences religious beliefs is the television. Meaning making about faith, how people make meaning, and the nature of those meanings are central concerns of religious education and…

In order to explore whether the medium employed to promote a given event also helps to shape the accompanying myth which is attached to any significant happening, it will be useful to compare the two rock concerts, 1969's Woodstock and 1985's Live Aid. One difference is the way in which the two concerts were organized, promoted, and executed;…

Analyzes popular culture as it relates to the expression of universal human values, namely the desire and struggle for freedom from tyranny and oppression. Examines popular culture as the everyday social experience of marginalized students as they confront, make sense of, and contend with social institutions such as schools, the mass media,…

Explores the contrast between white-collar financial crime and crime as seen on shows like "Cops." Argues that conservative politicians tend to equate lower class with "true" criminals (typically with little education), whereas white-collar criminals (usually well-educated) simply made a mistake, and that this picture of crime…

Reviews critically the dominant discourse on science and the media. Finds that the dominant concern has conceptual and methodological problems. Argues that the dominant discourse has promoted a science coverage dutiful to scientific interests and has inhibited a truly critical appraisal of popular science communication. (RS)

Discusses the "Teletubbies" television show's appeal to older children and to adults. Suggests that the debate that has been generated around it raise significant questions about the relations between childhood and adulthood and about the nature of literacy in media-saturated societies. (RS)

Several recent studies indicate that cheating has become both more prevalent and more socially acceptable. In this article I draw parallels between market values and student attitudes about cheating. They include: (1) reduction of a broad range of goods to their economic value, (2) use of non-reciprocity as a guiding principle, (3) valuing the…

Reflects on the influence of popular culture and mass media on young people, and argues for a broader notion of literacy that includes verbal and visual literacy as well as all manner of other "texts," because the teaching of literacy has exploded right along with satellite technology and microchips. (SR)

Discovers two alternative teen magazines: "Teen Voices" and "Reluctant Hero." Shares her discussions she had with the editors of the magazines. Offers a reflective comment on conceptions of identity in these and other teen magazines. (SG)

Neil Postman describes the United States in the late 20th century as the only "technopoly" (a society that has totally surrendered to technology, information, and science) in the world, and he asks educators to resist technopoly by changing curriculum. In his book "Technopoly," Postman proposes that cultures may be classified…

This book takes an up-close and personal look at elementary school boys and their relationship to sports, movies, video games, and other avenues of popular culture. The book views these media not as enemies of literacy, but as resources "for" literacy. It contains a series of interviews with young boys and girls who describe the pleasure…

The media have a lot to do with how people think and what people think about. The line between popular culture and news has virtually disappeared, giving rise to what some have labeled "infotainment." At the same time, "fake news" in the form of publicity that promoters provide to media outlets under the guise of legitimate…

Argues that television convention mitigates against depictions of technology as socially destructive. Argues that the presentation of science as television fiction is a conservative act. Concludes that television reinforces the socially constructed technological imperative of industrial societies, effacing its own role in the preservation of the…