Criticizes attitudes toward the francophone world in French-language textbooks published in North America and suggests corrective measures. Specifically denounces deprecation of local languages and varieties of French, stereotyped portrayals of people, and the assumption that francophone nations are dependent on France for culture and education.…

Using advertisements, illustrations from children's books, posters, movie scenes, and textbooks used in the public schools, students at Iowa State University examined the stereotypes, inaccuracies, and racism of much of the material regarding the American Indian. (NQ)

Nearly all German textbooks currently used in the USA either entirely fail to mention Austria, or else portray it by means of myths, cliches (Apfelstrudel, Sachertorte, Gemuetlichkeit), and often with outright untruths. The American student gets a picture of Austria as an "underdeveloped Disneyland of Europe". (WGA)

Studies of teaching materials have shown that the American Indian has not been given fair representation in American history. Too often portrayed as inaccurate are such subjects as tribal entities and cultures, listings of current tribes and reservations, descriptions of languages and areas of occupation, foods, attire, and dates of historical…

Discusses the effects of perpetuating national stereotypes in FL instruction and offers some up-to-date approaches to teaching cultural background not based on cliches. (KM)

Narrow stereotypic perceptions of and prejudice toward the Chinese have been so pervasive and tenable that Americans of Chinese ancestry do not perceive themselves with a meaningful identity; examination of American social studies textbooks shows that involvement of Asians in American history is barely mentioned or neglected completely. (Author/JM)

Gross stereotypes, subtle distortions, and omissions in references to ethnic groups in children's literature play a direct part in forming children's attitudes at an early age. One of the requirements for elementary education teacher certification at Penn State University is a course in children's literature with an emphasis on guiding students…

Concludes that the American Indian is misrepresented, distorted, romanticized and victimized in children's literature. (JH)

Some communities have been successful in removing textbooks containing sexist and racist stereotypes.

Created to try to shock people into realizing that a child's world is supersaturated with hundreds of images of savage, noble, lazy, or nonhuman Indians that obscure, misrepresent, and render trivial the rich cultures and histories of Native Americans, the reader is intended for early childhood, elementary, and secondary educators and general…

The status of the North American Indian in most history and social studies textbooks has not substantially changed in the last 20 years. The Indian continues to be portrayed in extreme, simplistic, stereotypical roles--on the one hand noble, peaceful, friendly, and helpful and on the other hand fierce and warlike. (JHZ)

Examines 25 introductory sociology textbooks to ascertain patterns of race-ethnic coverage. Discovers coverage to be fairly extensive but focused around a limited set of sociological topics (stratification, education, health). Coverage in other areas (age, politics, religion) was significantly lower. Discusses implications for course development…

Compares and contrasts the representation of World War II era Germans in English textbooks and academic histories. Finds the academic histories to be more varied and in-depth. Discusses the strategies used by the textbooks to create portrait of mindless aggression. Considers educational and policy implications. (MJP)

Argues that research and teaching in sociology should reflect increased commitment achievements and contributions of culturally diverse groups. Discusses content analysis of 30 introductory sociology texts to determine quantity and quality of their coverage of U.S. ethnic and racial groups. Concludes that, although substantial progress has been…

Savage, blood-thirsty, drunk, monosyllabic, naked, and primitive are the stereotypes of Native Americans in textbooks. These stereotypes are so pervasive that they tend to be accepted uncritically by the rest of society. The evidence suggests that many textbooks are biased and, in a large number of cases, outright racist. The concept of…