The Library of Congress has acquired the Omar ibn Said Collection, including an exceptional artifact, the autobiography of Omar ibn Said, written in ancient Arabic by an African enslaved man. In this article, I analytically examine the role of literacy in Omar ibn Said's life as informed by African cultures, ethnicities, histories, languages, and…

The disturbances that took place across English towns and cities in 2011 raised significant debate and discussion about their causes and the motivations of the "rioters". Media and official explanations citing criminality and opportunism, repeated the now familiar narratives of cultural deficit, blaming absent fathers, poor parenting and…

Following the Japanese attack on the US naval base at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, the nation was thrown into a state of fear and hysteria. On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt issued Executive Order No. 9066 which resulted in more than 120,000 persons of Japanese ancestry being either interned in relocation centers, drafted, or…

Between Africans and Afro-Americans there exists an emotional, cultural, and psychological connection. The mission of Afro-centricity is to modify the traditional where necessary to conform to the demands of modern society. Molefi K. Asante can increase adherence to the principles of Afro-centricity by decreasing some of his contradictions.…

Critiques the ideology of New Pluralism. Maintains that its underlying premise is merely disguised ethnocentrism, which an understanding of science, history, the individual and the educational process should deter. Proposes that education should provide students with a scientific perspective with which to evaluate themselves, other ideologies, and…

Notes that maps that have helped form worldviews of social workers and clients reflect ethnocentric biases that reinforce historic patterns of world dominance. Discusses ways for practitioners to recognize this subtle source of ethnocentric bias, which may affect their work with clients. Notes that understanding of these biases illuminates…

With an increase in diverse cultures comes a responsibility for educators to become aware of their ethnocentric attitudes that influence increasingly diverse classrooms. One place to unpack attitudes about diversity in the classroom is to encourage teachers in training to become aware of their own ethnocentrism. One way for teachers to become…

Modern Western psychology, while claiming to be value-free, has often been in league with the forces of exploitation. The author argues for the coexistence of numerous universal psychologies which do not deny their ethnicity. These psychologies would examine the meanings, experiences, and values associated with various psychological systems. (CS)

The development of social science terminology about ethnicity in the United States is traced from colonial times to the present, and conflict among ethnic groups is examined in relation to contemporary problems in the suburbs of New York. Early in U.S. history, immigrating ethnic groups were thought to contribute to the melting pot character of…

Discusses three cultural changes influencing the practice of Asian American Studies scholars and their operating assumptions. The author examines the concept of denationalization in arguing how these cultural phenomena are forcing a paradigm shift in Asian American Studies. (GR)

Explains and defends the theory and practice of Afrocentrism. The Ethiopic Writing System is examined within the context of Afrocentric theory. The author presents Afrocentrism as a theory that seeks to promote and implement human freedom for all. (GLR)

The new pluralism in a democratic society requires that cultural differences be regarded as differences rather than deficits; however, this view of cultural pluralism does not mean that the notion of cultural differences should be carried to such an extreme as to become separatist in orientation. Cultural differences represent various societies'…

Most schools use, reinforce, and enhance the dominant culture at the expense of the culture of minority students. If schools recognize the importance of language and culture, they will see benefits in minority children's academic growth, self-image and economic future. (Author/PS)

Discusses Black Americans' concern about what to call themselves and examines attempts to develop an Afrocentric point of view. Questions an automatic identification between African-Americans and Africa, citing political, historical, and socioeconomic factors that qualify assumptions of cultural continuity, and calls for continued assessment and…

Finds that the National Commission on Social Studies in the Schools' report, "Charting a Course: Social Studies for the 21st Century," emphasis on multiethnic perspectives is sparse and sporadic. Observes that its chronological approach to history and textbook emphasis discourages understanding of ethnicity. Criticizes teacher education…