In this article, the authors discuss the potential for emancipatory pedagogies, which include practices like the use of digital tools and popular culture, to undo deficit constructions of Black and Latino males and their literacy practices. They discuss why such practices are not more readily available and visible in traditional urban school…

These are times of rapid technological change that challenge all educators. The children currently in school--often referred to as the "Millennial Generation"--have always been immersed in Information Communication Technology. Millennials bring to school a rich set of literacy skills that allows them instant communication and access to a wealth of…

Building from a public debate on questions of educational access for undocumented students, the author analyzes common frames and ideologies constructed and reproduced in the media. Access to literacy and the cultural capital of higher education for undocumented students, in the case of Massachusetts, is filtered through meritocratic ideologies…

Analyzes popular culture as it relates to the expression of universal human values, namely the desire and struggle for freedom from tyranny and oppression. Examines popular culture as the everyday social experience of marginalized students as they confront, make sense of, and contend with social institutions such as schools, the mass media,…

Describes the satirical cartoon television series called "South Park." Discusses who watches this program, noting its immense popularity and the way it has entered the everyday lives of school children the world over. Looks at its cult appeal, and speculates as to reasons why some children might enjoy watching the program. (SR)

Responds to an article in a prior issue of this journal. Argues that "South Park" is a deconstruction of the reality of American constructions of media, fame, and pop culture, and that more adolescents than adults understand that "South Park" is about the adult world of media. Includes a response by the author of the earlier article. (SR)

Discusses the "Teletubbies" television show's appeal to older children and to adults. Suggests that the debate that has been generated around it raise significant questions about the relations between childhood and adulthood and about the nature of literacy in media-saturated societies. (RS)

Suggests that learning more about what draws adolescents to particular texts and practices can help teachers to facilitate literacy events that are meaningful to students. Concludes that, by allowing youth's ways of constructing meaning and identity to inform academic practices, play becomes a fruitful endeavor both in and outside of classrooms.…

Discovers two alternative teen magazines: "Teen Voices" and "Reluctant Hero." Shares her discussions she had with the editors of the magazines. Offers a reflective comment on conceptions of identity in these and other teen magazines. (SG)

This article discusses the participatory potential of YouTube, a social website that allows users to upload, view, and share video clips. The author provides examples of how YouTube was incorporated into a course as part of a "mosh-pit" pedagogy that involved both students and teachers in engaging with a variety of YouTube videos.

Investigates "Fandom" (exaggerated commitment to some aspect of the music industry, cinema, television, or sports) by looking at two adolescents and their musical preferences. Argues that connecting adolescents' musical fandom to critical media literacy in the classroom can get students interested in school literacy practices, assisting students'…

Argues that adolescents have tacit understandings about television as a system of communication with specific values and purposes. Suggests that students' everyday, informal knowledge of popular media can be an informal resource for developing more of their critical and creative sensibilities and expressiveness. Offers strategies to help students…

Examines 31 book club discussion guides prepared by major book publishers for book club readers to explore which particular ways of reading and discussing books they might sanction. Finds that they steer readers toward a rather narrow collection of academic reading practices (analytic and text-based) and away from other types of responses. (SR)

This article presents reflections of a ranting and raving "South Park" junkie. The church the author goes to is Unitarian Universalist (UU). UUism is the religion for people who don't believe in religion but somehow feel the need to regularly assemble in a religious tradition and affirm their nontraditional religiosity. From what the author can…

Describes how a teacher education course at the University of Queensland combines media-cultural studies with information technologies, thereby giving students the theoretical frameworks and practical applications for the critical and analytic principles of media-cultural studies in teaching information technologies. Outlines the teaching and…