ERIC Number: EJ795692
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2006
Pages: 8
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1080-5400
EISSN: N/A
After the Crash: Moving from a Discourse of Deficit to a Discourse of Potential
Delk, Jessica E.
Taboo: The Journal of Culture and Education, v10 n1 p121-128 Spr-Sum 2006
The motion picture "Crash" does not focus on surface realism, but instead provides what appears to be an unbiased portrayal of various races and perspectives. Not only does the movie highlight the idea that all people carry racial baggage, but it also reminds them that often their greatest fear is of the "other." According to this author, it is this perception and a lack of respect for and understanding of the "other" that further promotes discrimination and never allows individuals to truly cross borders. These factors contribute to a society in which individuals lack compassion for others and seem to be driven by capitalism and individualism. This article describes how the acts of discrimination, colorblindness, and underrepresentation are forms of discourse that are continuously spreading a message of deficit. As such, the author contends that everyone must turn to a discourse of potential and possibility. One of the easiest ways for teachers, scholars, and critical thinkers to cross boundaries is by engaging in dialogue. To create a discourse of potential, everyone must seek to discover their true character, and build cultural bridges.
Descriptors: Altruism, Disproportionate Representation, Films, Popular Culture, Didacticism, Social Integration, Racial Relations, Discourse Communities, Connected Discourse, Critical Theory, Racial Discrimination
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Opinion Papers; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: Adult Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A