Investigates Darth Vader's character from the "Star Wars" movies, stimulated by the psychiatric treatment of a schizophrenic male with the delusion that he was Darth Vader. Discusses the temptations and threats from Darth Vader, which coincide with themes and fantasies of childhood and adolescence. Suggests that Darth Vader's sacrifice…

In this article, the authors briefly describe key issues central to what Spring (2007) refers to as the "industrial-consumer paradigm" and the role of English as the global language characterized by what Harvey (1990) called "time and space compression." The authors also comment and provide a critique of some of its primary…

Based on four years of experience teaching computers to 8-12 year olds, media scholar Ellen Seiter offers parents and educators practical advice on what children need to know about the Internet and when they need to know it. "The Internet Playground" argues that, contrary to the promises of technology boosters, teaching with computers is…

During the 1960s, protest music was expressed primarily through the folk tradition; it was the most important medium of the counter culture. The folk music tradition of the 1960s found its roots in the music of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger. In their music, commercial success and professional standards were militantly opposed. Folk music raised…

Analyzes the impact of televised ceremonies (such as the marriage of Prince Charles and Lady Diana) as "media events" which allow viewers to vicariously enter into the ceremony. Compares them with cult movies that, over repeated viewing, encourage audience "participation." Focuses on the narrator's/commentator's role in shaping…

Discusses the communicative uses of music by young people and how music plays a major role in adolescent socialization. (PD)

Explains the structure of pop music in Hungary, focusing on political and cultural influences. (PD)

Discusses music as a form of communication in terms of national vs. international music, youth culture, market forces, controversy over the impact of lyrics, uses and gratifications, and future research. (PD)

Considers how although the influence of "Oprah's Book Club" has been well documented in the popular media, it has received little attention from the academic community. Examines the club as a literacy delivery system, asking how literacy takes its shape from the interests of both Winfrey and her readers. (SG)

Argues that, before accepting the "reading as resistance" approach of contemporary cultural studies, "resistance" should be clearly articulated and coherently theorized. Asserts that doing so will avoid banal and repetitive analyses. Considers problems with audience-centered cultural studies and attempts to retheorize 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…

Considers how enterprising marketers quickly realized they had little to lose by supporting a goal of equal "representation." Suggests that if the goal is to have a genuine impact in playing the popular culture game, now might be a prudent moment to take an interest in the kinds of research emerging from business schools. (SG)

In this response to Arthur Efland's article, "The Entwined Nature of the Aesthetic: A Discourse of Visual Culture" ("Studies in Art Education," 2004, 45(3), 234-251), the author acknowledges that Efland's attempt to find a middle ground between two rival versions of art education--aesthetic education and visual culture--is both welcome and needed.…

In this article, we explore changing definitions of kitsch and simultaneously examine the relevance of kitsch to contemporary society. Using a number of examples, including a focus on kitsch related to September 11, 2001, we explore the current popularity of kitsch in society. We analyze the growth and influence of kitsch in everyday life and in…

This paper revisits the question of "voice" in the context of neo-liberal social and educational reform. "Voice" has been one of the key concepts of feminist and critical pedagogies in the theory and practice of producing social transformation. I argue in this paper, that the political effectiveness of this concept needs to be…