This article argues that how we think about education must extend far beyond matters of schooling and include those spaces, practices, discourses and maps of meaning and affect produced through a range of cultural and pedagogical technologies. We live at a time in which the educational influence of the larger culture has become the major force in…

Demonstrates the theoretical relevance of developing critical pedagogical practices in which issues of representation and democratic transformation mutually inform each other. Engages a popular Hollywood film, "Baby Boy," in order to demonstrate how this film might be used as both a social transcript and a form of public pedagogy. (SG)

The sexually charged "Kids" was one of the most controversial films about teenage sexuality and youth of 1995. The pessimism and one-dimensionality of the film foster a conservative pedagogy and politics that fail to break dominant discourse about subordinate youth in this country. (SLD)

Analyzes the narrative structure of the film "Fight Club," addressing its critique of consumerism and its celebration of masculinity. Addresses the representational politics that structure the movie, especially its deeply conventional views of violence, gender relations, and masculinity. Considers the role that "Fight Club" and other cultural…

Analyzes the representation of race and ethnicity in two films, "Dangerous Minds" and "Suture." Examines how Whiteness must be theorized and discussed as an historical, cultural, and political construction. (SK)

Examines "Ghost World," a Hollywood film about youth, friendship, alienation, and survival, critically investigating how popular representations of youth signal a particular crisis of the social through a discourse of privatization, which fails to locate youth and problems they face within the related geographies of the social and political. The…

Proposes that in addition to entertaining, film offers up subject positions; mobilizes desires; influences its audience unconsciously; and helps construct the landscape of American culture. Notes that film can provide a pedagogical tool for offering students alternative views of the world. Concludes that as a form of public pedagogy, film combines…

Considers why cultural studies scholars do not take seriously the schools' role in shaping culture and politics and why educators do not analyze teaching and learning within a cultural studies framework. Examines effects on youth of popular media, economic conditions, and violence through a discussion of films on youth culture. (SK)

The boundaries between entertainment, education, and commercialization collapse through Disney's reach into diverse spheres of everyday life. Disney's "innocence" is a promotional mask covering its aggressive marketing techniques and influence in transforming children into active consumers. Although Disney's films are joyous and…

Responds to T. Hatch's article "If the 'Kids' Are Not 'Alright,' I'm 'Clueless'" (1996) which raised questions about the quasi-documentary film "Kids" and its relevance for addressing questions of representation of youth in the media. Considers what educators might use in connecting strategies of understanding and intervention…

Recounts the recent debate over family values, civic culture, and cinematic violence and considers the implications for educators. Uses this national debate as a case study to investigate efforts to exercise control over and limit the democratization of culture. Argues for an expanded notion of civic culture. (MJP)