"Systemic racism" implies that racist policies are embedded in laws and institutions. That claim is patently false as evidenced by Americans having elected a biracial president for two terms and, more recently, a biracial vice president--not to mention blacks serving in the cabinet, in the highest ranks of the armed services, and in…

In addition to the methodology of new historicism, this article deploys feminism, performance studies and presentism to discuss the effects of the masculine practice of enforced marriage and turning a deaf ear to the female voice in Thomas Middleton's "Women Beware Women" and contemporary Palestine. I explain that Middleton's "Women…

As Dane Peters witnesses the struggles of Middle Eastern countries dealing with violence inflicted by radical groups like the Taliban, al-Qaeda, and ISIS, he asks himself, How can this be happening? How can anyone justify this heartless, inhumane treatment? Is this behavior learned in certain cultures? Perhaps, he considers, for some people it is…

The author discusses reading "The Bridge to Terebithia" to a third-grade class prior to release of the film version. Reading of the final chapter followed by two days the April 16, 2007 shootings at Virginia Tech University, just seventy miles from the classroom. Although none of the college students from the author's town died, everyone…

This book is a tell-all guide to the euphoric highs and unimaginable lows of teaching. Mahoney and Purr present the naked truth of their own blunder-laden first few years in order to help new teachers, those who think they might want to become teachers, and those in the business of training and hiring new teachers, see the realities that cannot be…

In this article, the author discusses and shares his opinion about violence in the media. He states that many of the students in class have honestly responded to his inquiries about violence in culture, that they are "fascinated" with violence in movies, in television shows, in video games, and in the music they listen to away from school.…

Presents a transcription of a panel (at the annual meeting of the New York State Communication Association) consisting of internationally known and respected communication scholars, and New Yorkers, who offered their thoughts and meditations on September 11, 2001. Notes the only appropriate frames of understanding in those few short weeks after…

Gentle teaching, empowering children growing up amid poverty and violence, is the only alternative to ineffective coercive teaching. "Decent" teachers are not judgmental, moralistic, or easily shocked; they listen, recognize their biases, are culturally competent, and do not seek to fulfill power needs. (SK)

Teachers working with disturbed children must reframe their concept of the classroom to include affirmation and validation of the children's real-life experiences. Since wounded students who externalize their pain often project it onto those closest to them, teachers should be prepared to engage rather than withdraw. (JPS)

Teachers and administrators attending an institute on juvenile justice and education were asked about: (1) their views on crime and disruption in the schools; (2) their knowledge of juvenile justice processes; and (3) possible solutions to crime and vandalism. Educators need increased understanding of the relationship between school problems and…

Cited are incidents of violence in public schools. The author suggests a "get tough" policy and that involving parents and community agencies in schools can be an effective solution to violence in the schools. (KC)

Despite the fact that many people agree in theory that the concept of official childbeating is repugnant, the abolition of corporal punishment in the schools has received little public or legislative support. Sanctioned violence reinforces educational problems and teaches children that violence is the way to solve problems. (Author/GC)

Argues that too much emphasis on developing a nonsexist, antibias, peace-centered, politically correct day-care center curriculum may overly restrict children's imagination, creativity, and desires, leading to an educator-imposed bias in the curriculum. Educators should encourage children to engage in developmentally appropriate play activities…

Argues that violence occurs each day in front of teachers, and examines how teachers explicitly and implicitly sanction verbal and nonverbal aggressive behavior in the schools. Asserts that educators must take the lead in finding constructive ways to respond to children and help them respond to one another. (SD)

Presents the reflections of a social studies teacher from New York City about the September 11, 2001, attacks and the days following it. Focuses on her personal experiences during that time period and the response of the school where she taught. (CMK)