Emphasizing the influence of television on children, this pamphlet explores some of the major criticisms of television and discusses ways parents can help their children get the most out of television. It is argued that the major problem with television is the amount of time that it steals from our lives, time that could be spent in developing…

Communication media are among the many "systems" Latinos confront in working to improve their lives in the United States. Latino encounters with media systems have generally taken place on three levels: Anglo media, Spanish language media, and bilingual/bicultural media. The English language or Anglo media have portrayed the Latino with…

Addresses the problem of writing and producing plays that do not meet the needs of a multicultural audience with varied backgrounds and values. (JC)

Media messages and stereotypes that all Asian-American students do well in U.S. schools and come from strong, intact families ignore the real needs of these children, including bilingual education. Bilingual staff are needed as is recognition of the real conditions behind the myths. (LHW)

This excerpt from a presentation at the National Council for Children and Television seminar describes the Asian and Pacific American community's make-up; examines stereotypes related to immigration recency, language, educational attainment, economic status, and personality traits; and discusses some tragedies in this community that might make…

Decries the stereotypes and prejudices that affect U. S. relations with the Hispanic world and with its own Hispanic minorities. Points out that these attitudes also affect the study of Spanish as a foreign language and suggests means by which educators can improve the Hispanic image among Anglo Americans. (MES)

A white elementary teacher at a suburban school with multicultural programs discovered that his class of African American and Hispanic sixth graders thought they (and other dark people) were inherently bad and destined for poverty. Aided by a black guidance counselor, the teacher helped these kids shed their "badness" and understand…

Argues that customary presentations of data on Indian alcohol abuse and "related problems" distort the problem, undermine self-esteem of Indian communities, and lower the chances of success for community-based prevention and treatment programs. Suggests community-specific research on drinking patterns and problems and avoidance of…

Along with the rest of the media, the black magazine industry is currently struggling to survive in tough economic times. However, publishers and editors express confidence in their survival because they meet the needs of their readership, needs that are not met elsewhere. (SLD)

Discusses some of the apparent underlying demographic and sociological causes for recent racial conflicts on college campuses. Describes a set of policies initiated at Arizona State University that emphasizes a variety of academic and social programs and settings rather than one-time events. (CJS)

Describes a many-faceted class activity involving readings, small group and class discussions, and writing an essay. Notes that, in the essay, the students first think and write about the names people have called them and/or their culture and then rename themselves, thereby gaining personal and political power. (SR)

The conquest of Chile and of America in general constituted an encounter between different and mutually unknown civilizations that discovered the existence of an "extreme otherness" which European civilization would generically call "Indians." The Spanish encounter with the aboriginals was both violent and subtle. The…

Responding to a rise in hate crimes directed toward persons of Arab descent and Muslims before and during the Gulf War, the Los Angeles County (California) Commission on Human Relations held a hearing. The commission heard presentations by representatives of the Arab and Muslim communities, law enforcement, schools, and social science, and…

This paper discusses the means by which youth of conflicting nationalities may be taught to live together in Israel with mutual understanding and respect. The first part of the paper focuses on relations between Jewish and Arab youth, and suggests guidelines for designing a cross-cultural learning project to improve the relations between these…

Occupational stratification based on ethnic group membership is still a part of American society. In the past, ethnic stratification was perceived in conjunction with ethnic succession and it was assumed that no group would be permanently relegated to low occupational status. Today, however, flaws in the system are showing. The idea that at the…