Annotated Bibliography of Teaching Resources:

Link to another bibliography on site (not annotated, but divided up by sub-topic).

Alleva, Richard. "Philadelphia. (movie Reviews)." Commonweal v121, n4 (Feb 25,1994):16. Commonweal Foundation 1994

Alleva gives Philadelphia a poor review. She states that, "Philadelphia deals with two subjects, one explicitly, the other implicitly, and neither one of them is AIDS." She says that the movie was not about Aids but about homophobia. It was fear of homosexuals that lead the law firms senior partners termination of Becket, a brilliant young newly appointed partner of the firm. Becket hires Miler as his accompanied lawyer, who is also dealing with homophobic feeling throughout the film. The film lacks focus on the real issues of homophobia: "a lucid revelation of the roots of fear and hatred." Two powerful scenes in the film allow for deep coverage of the issues but nonetheless fail to convey true significance. One the scene where Hanks is on the witness stand and the cinematographer captures the essence of a dying man, and two the scene where Hanks is enthralled in an operatic and Washington is reminded of Hanks' sexual orientation and subsequently adds to his discomfort. These are great scenes that introduce the issues at hand, but are not fully covered.

A biography written about Edmund Perry, a boy who grew up in Harlem and made it into an Ivy League College. His death stirred the hearts of many people across the United States and this book is an attempt to reconcile some of the questions that were asked about his death. An emotionally riveting story that dives into the questions about integration in schools and treatment of minorities outside their comfortable surroundings. This book addresses the many problems we are still experiencing in matters of race in the United States today. Edmund Perry was a victim of the system who became torn between two worlds. His schizophrenic lifestyle that led to his death is an example of how much we still have to do in order to become a truly equal society. The ending of the book is quite disturbing, but for a specific purpose. Its ability to provoke anger and frustration out of its readers is what makes it an essential book to read when learning about the struggle between races.

Black, Conrad. "Qualifications, Please: Immigration Policy in a Post-Industrial Economy" Current. June 1995, No. 373.16-18.

This essay was particularly interesting to me because it tackled the economic side of an affirmative action issue. He highlights the historical idea of how weÕve progressed from the "huddled masses" idea of immigration, to concentrating on whoÕs most qualified by their skills. America has taken this new marketability and commodification of people to an extreme so that we can cover up the racial issue behind it. He sees the crisis in the idea of what to do to reconcile the two ideas of how to solve the immigration problem. His answer is a simple compromise. He proposes to focus on the importance of skilled individuals being able to emigrate, while taking into account the humanitarian side of the argument. Immigrants would be evaluated on the basis of their personal situation, (i.e. families that have been separated and difficult government situations), and what kinds of skills they had to offer in becoming citizens. I donÕt think his compromise is a bad idea, itÕs a lot like my first paperÕs argument to reconcile legal language and audience. Whether or not heÕs correct, heÕs at least making clear that economics do play a part in racial issues.

Boys On the Side, Dir. Herbert Ross, With Whoppi Goldberg and Drew Barrymore, Le Studio Canal Plus, Regency Entertainment and Alcore Film, 1995.

This film was an excellent story about three women who got thrown together by chance and became a major system of support for each other in all aspects of their lives. The audience is geared towards women but it is a film that everyone can see to learn and understand about friendship and compassion for others. The movie deals with many difficult subjects regarding women, such as AIDS, lesbianism, and abuse. Although there are many heavy subjects throughout the film, they are broken up by the humor that is played out in all three of the main characters. The film is empowering for women to see for many reasons. Although the media has gotten a bit more comfortable with the subject of homosexuality, they have never presented a major film that deals with homosexuality from a womanÕs point of view. Also, the subject of AIDS is seen from a feminist perspective. An enjoyable but educational film for mature audiences to watch.

Conant, Jennet. "Tom Hanks wipes that grin off his face." ('Philadelphia,' film in which Hanks portrays gay man with AIDS) (Cover Story). Esquire v120, n6 (Dec, 1993):74 (9 pages). Copyright Hearst Corporation 1993

Philadelphia is a test case for gay activists who disliked Demme's portrayal of the cross-dressing serial killer in his last film Silence of the Lambs. Philadelphia is also a test case film because prior to the film gay and aids issues have been underrepresented in modern media. The film takes a giant step in the right direction for gay and aids awareness issues but one film will not have the impact that we need in our media based society to fully represent gay and aids activist groups. Philadelphia's money making box office hit will set the stage for many more films that adequately cover these issues. Still the film has resorted to some stereotypical scenes that enforce that Hanks is indeed Gay. The film makers used careful marketing strategies in order to appeal to a wide audience, and to make certain that the message in the film would not scare away mainstream audiences. Hanks in an interview describes his own homophobic tendencies and how he dealt with them with the films own influence. The universal theme in the film is not about hanks as a gay man, it's merely about a fight for justice.

Dangerous Minds, Dir. John N. Smith, With Michelle Pheiffer, Hollywood Pictures, 1995.

A film that deals with the subject of education in inner cities. A wide variety of people should see this film because it has something to say to everyone. This film explores how difficult it is to teach in an inner city. It shows how necessary it is for the teacher to care enough to take the extra steps to educate his or her students. The film also explores the many problems that children growing up in inner cities face that makes it so difficult for them to make school a priority in their lives. They have to worry about protecting themselves on a daily basis and earning money to help support their families. This film does not glorify inner city life in any way. There is not a happy ending or any easy solutions to the problems offered. Therefore, it is a realistic portrayal of this lifestyle. It does provoke thought from the audience on how one can begin to address the many issues discussed throughout the film. An excellent story that addresses many problems of minority struggles in the educational system in the United States.

Donohue, John., III. "Employment Discrimination Law in Perspective: Three Concepts of Equality. (Visions of Equality: The Future of Title VII)." Michigan Law Review v92, n8 (August, 1994):2583-2612. Michigan Law Review Association 1994.

This essay deals with the deep disagreements about whether the country would benefit more if legal action for employment discrimination is reduced or intensified. The goal of employment discrimination laws is to provide intrinsic equality. There is discrepancy however in whether intrinsic equality is a valid goal for protecting workers. The Employment discrimination laws first introduced in the beginning of the 1840's, forbids employers from considering race, sex, religion, or nation origin as a basis for employment. Who then deserves special protection? Labor markets vs. capital markets is another major topic for discussion in Donohue's essay. Common themes of contingent equality and intrinsic equality discuses the issues of wage discrimination, where specific groups given wages does not equal the value of their productive labor in a competitive labor market.

Effendi, Shoghi. Advent of Divine Justice. Illinois: Baha'i Publishing Trust, 1938 (1-49).

Despite the year this book was published author Shoghi Effendi addresses the challenges in which the development of the United States will face, and as we now know, have faced. A profound book presenting the primary goal of the Baha'i Faith, the unification of mankind, and how this community must address its challenge in attaining the ultimate victory of world unity. Advent of Divine Justice guides individuals, addressing America specifically in examining, striving, and establishing a nation free of prejudice or extremes of any kind of separatism, be it class, sex, religious practice, or age. A unique approach to the issue of racism in the United States and throughout the world. This is one work you will not find similar to the numerous texts available which addresses the issue of race in America and in the world. The Advent of Divine Justice is available in any Baha'i Community or Center throughout the U.S., or to receive further information on the author, textbook, or the Baha'i Faith contact: the Baha'i International Community, Office of Public Information: 866 United Nation Plaza, Suite 120: New York 10017, USA.

Feagin, Joe R. Racial and Ethnic Relations. New Jersey: Prentice Hall, 1996.

Wonderful text describing the evolution of all interethnic groups in the United States. Feagin has created an amazing and highly resourceful book describing the concepts and classifications of racial issues. Feagin presents not only the historical experiences of each ethnic group but, also describes the present status of these various groups within family, education, income, political power, intermarriage, and ethnic identity. Racial and Ethnic Relations is a resourceful tool necessary for every individual striving to better understand both past and present race related issues and experiences, and to develop the theories and categories used in addressing racial studies.

John, Fiske. "Race and Gender in U.S. Politics." Media Matters. University of Minnesota, 1996: (99-128).

This is a highly required text for politically and socially active individuals with strong educated backgrounds interested in ethnic studies. Fiske makes a solid presentation on the effects media has upon society. He portrays the negative images of race, social class, and sex, in which the few individuals (elites) in control of U.S. media manipulate. Addressing affirmative action and its role in the media among popular TV shows and through political figures, Fiske describes how affirmative action has primarily benefited white women at the expense of African Americans. This proves the power-conflict relationship and process that has become the foundation of the United States and continues to exist today. Fiske expresses to his readers that the underlying images of the media are polluting the minds of American people. He is challenging us to be intellectually aware of separating what is real from what is construed in media. Fiske's arguments are highly successful for the popular age of media and the affects it creates upon ethnic relations in the nation. Necessary reading for every individual, and especially for University students whom media attempts to concentrate on more.*

Fitzgerald, Randy. "Welfare for Illegal Aliens?" The ReaderÕs Digest. June 1994. 35-40.

This was one of the sources I used for my first paper, which examined methods of argumentation about affirmative action issues. It was an excellent example of the use of legal language to support its argument about welfare for illegal immigrants. It also incorporated case study type examples to balance its approach. When I read it, I wasnÕt looking at whether or not it was correct about its message, but why it might be more effective in convincing its audience. What I learned, is that the balance spoke to a wider audience, which is representative of the large readership associated with this magazine. This wide audience responds best to a mix of strategies, and that mix helps to bring the issue to those who it affects most a wide audience interested in affirmative action. I thought it made an excellent comparison to the film Falling Down, which had a similar far-reaching audience and argument approach.

Foegen, J.H. "The Double Jeopardy of Sexual Harassment. " Business and Society Review, n82 (Summer, 1992):31-35. Management Reports Inc. 1992

Following the controversial hearing of alleged sexual harassment charges against Judge Clarence Thomas, there have been a increasing amount of publicity for the issue of sexual harassment and equal employment opportunity. The EEOC has been updated many times sense 1980. New laws protect the victim from being subjected to a "hostile environment." The new laws forbid, not only offensive behavior but includes, jokes, displays of obscene pictures of woman, and refusing to take "no" for an answer. Harassment violates the Title VII Civil Rights Act. Non verbal harassment's are also cited under the reformed EEOC guidelines. The major problem with harassment in the work place is the way both genders perceive the sexes. There are still discrepancies on what factors constitute as harassment even with formulated guidelines available.

This book addresses the many steps that can be taken daily to help end the problem of racism from our daily lives. This book is effective and helps address the ideas of Affirmative Action in an indirect way . By using the tools listed in this book, society could be altered towards a more equal and balanced community instead of everyone living separately and fighting against each other in order to gain or maintain power. If this were to happen than we would not need Affirmative Action like we need it today. In order for Affirmative Action not to be necessary, we need to do much more than ensure everyone an equal opportunity to gain an education and work. We need to change the ways that we think and act in matters of race. This book offers many simple, affective steps that can move society in the right direction. An excellent book for teachers to use with their students to address matters of race in a positive way.

Grace, Melissa. "Initiative aimed at reverse bias: Leader of campaign for state's anti-affirmative action ballot measure says existing policies divide the nation by denying equal opportunity." Santa Barbara News Press 28 April 1996: A1.

The article describes the California Civil Rights Initiative, a campaign to end affirmative action programs in American Universities lead by Ward Connerly. Connerly was appointed by Gov. Pete Wilson to the UC Board of Regents who recently to end affirmative action policies at UC campuses. Connerly says that the measure that will appear on the November ballot is based on equal opportunity. Current affirmative action policies he says is intended to give preferences to one group over another and therefore is reverse discrimination. If the measure is passed, then preferences based on race and gender for hiring and admissions for the California public Universities will be illegal. If the measure does not pass, then more debate will return to the regents regarding UC admissions policies, and Connerly says that he will continue to fight to end affirmative action programs at UC campuses. An aside article is attached, that briefly covers some UCSB faculty members opinions on the subject of affirmative action programs on UC campuses. The article suggests that there is split opinions between faculty on how to achieve diversity on campuses. All agree however that diversity is important in the universities.

Kahlenberg, Richard. "Class, Not Race : Toward a New Affirmative Action" Current. Sept. 1995. No 373. 3-8.

This is a highly complex argument, and the essay seems to be aimed toward the well-read middle-class audience. The author is mainly aiming his "voice" at sounding like common-sense, without ignoring the need to be politically critical and detailed in his argument. It has a lot to say about what politicians have done wrong in emphasizing the race consideration of affirmative action, and not considering class. He wants the schools and the people who do the hiring to make their considerations based on whether or not candidates come from poor or disadvantaged backgrounds. His main problem is that he tends to repeat himself, and break down in several numbering and categorizing systems. This kind of writing makes it harder to comprehend en masse, and could make him sound overly statistical. Other authors like Hatamiya, make the same stat- loaded arguments, which alienate the larger audience. In the end he provides a few different solutions for how to initiate this kind of class-based consideration, and closes by saying that affirmative action is better being here flawed, than not at all.

Kendall, Frances F. "A Multicultural Approach to the Education of Young Children." Diversity in the Classroom. New York: Teachers College Press, 1984: (35-40).

Such material should be studied in every function and/or process which is addressing the issue(s) of racism and interethnic relations in the United States. Author Frances Kendall presents us with a text which guides young children through an educational curriculum that actively discusses race with the students. Approaching America's race problem at the most important level, with our children and within primary education, Kendall introduces a highly affective means in discussing race. Kendall teaches children that there are many different kinds of family, different kinds of people in our community, ways we are all the same, some ways in which we are different, and how we work together in our community. Diversity in the Classroom must be looked at and discussed by every individual, it is a valuable tool needed to achieve our fight against racism and to embrace unity in diversity.

Levi, Primo. The Drowned and The Saved. New York: Summit Books, 1986.

This book is an outstanding personal account of the holocaust. ItÕs a bestseller type book, and it seems to speak to a wide audience, interested in the holocaust. What made me go and re-read this book for the course, was itÕs attitude on the issue of reparations. Levi points out in his book, that all that was really wanted was an apology, and no amount of money or tokens could erase what had happened to those put in the death camps. He takes the side that reparations should not be a part of a political agenda like the reparations for the U.S. Japanese that were interned it should be an admission of guilt from pure understanding. What Levi shows us is the reality of accepting that these horrible things happened, is as important as naming a "guilty" party. ThatÕs why he never had his tattoo removed, it reminds him of the reality that was, that no amount of money can change the intentions originally used to cause such an event. His argument seems to go along with the film, Come See the ParadiseÕs message that the memories of what happened should not be forgotten. Just like the mother remembering for her daughter all of the events that happened, we should be constantly aware that what happened had intentions behind it, which are important to see as they really were.

An autobiographical story of a man from South Africa and his struggles with race in the United states. An excellent bestseller for a largely educated, diverse audience. Mark Mathabane grew up in a township in South Africa under Apartheid rule. His dedication to learning enabled him to move from South Africa to the United States. He thought that once he reached America, his struggle with race would end. However, he realized that the problems did not disappear, they just changed form. This book is excellent because it gives a foreign perspective of racial matters in the United states. Also, because Mathabane is from an oppressed society, he offers a good comparison of the attitudes between America and South Africa. Another excellent educational book dealing with the subject of race. Note: Kaffir Boy in America is a sequel to MathabaneÕs first novel, Kaffir Boy. Reading the two books in sequence gives a more in depth analysis of MathabaneÕs experience.

Mosquito Coast. 1986, Warner Bros.

This film struck me as I watched it for a second time, for this class. Like most films by Warner, itÕs mad for general consumption, and would attract a varied audience, (and some Harrison Ford fans). It is a film starring Harrison Ford as the father of a family that play out the conservative ideal in the heart of the South American jungle. He exemplifies the angry white male, who walks into stores and refuses to buy foreign products. He is always pointing out the hypocrisy of the American way of life with its "Have a Nice Day" empty nice-ness and clinging to religion as their way of life. He goes into the South American jungle to set up a "purer" way of living for his wife and four children. They follow him through failures and schemes into the darkest example of how conservatism values turn out when carried to their extreme. I thought it would be an interesting comparison to Falling Down. In that film, the same conservative values are pushed to their extreme, and the two men meet their demise at the end in a chillingly similar way. Two men shot and killed for railing against the world in search of a political ideal that doesnÕt succeed.

Murray, Charles. "The Bell-Curve and its Critics" Commentary. Vol. 99, no. 5. May 1995. 23-30.

This periodical contained several valuable essays surrounding the issues of affirmative action and race. I picked this one so that I could have an idea what the writers of this controversial book thought their findings reflected as an argument. Before I entered this class, I heard a lot in the news about this book and on talk radio. There were heated reactions from both sides regarding what it meant about race and intelligence. Murray speaks to the well-read, middle-class American, whoÕs either read his book or heard about it. His voice is very calm, and heÕs trying to make concessions on both sides, so that a more positive reaction to the bookÕs message can be reached. Murray argues that this book is not proposing radical ideas about race. It is making scientific findings accessible to an audience of interested readers, based on moderate approaches that avoid making radical left or right judgments. He says that the Liberal left is reacting badly to the book because it tears down what they hold as intrinsic beliefs about race and genetics. He believes this is wrong, because he sees the book as not making an explicit argument about race and genes. To him, itÕs about strong correlations of scientific findings, that represents all races in a comprehensive study. His point is, these findings represent an opportunity to accommodate huge and intractable differences in society, by re-examining our beliefs about intelligence. I donÕt necessarily believe his argument, but it was an interesting look at the writerÕs side of the argument.

A thought provoking autobiography that would be excellent for high school age and up to read. Solomon NorthupÕs story is about his terrifying experience being captured by slave traders in the North and sold into slavery for a period of twelve years. This novel gives an amazing historical analysis of the South during the period of slavery. Since it is a true story, the reader benefits by understanding that slavery was not imagined. It was a real experience that hundreds of thousands of blacks throughout the United States suffered through. The effectiveness of the autobiography is that it puts the reader in touch with NorthupÕs experience so that the reader suffers along with him. This novel portrays a side of American history that is not taught in classrooms or history books. Is is essential to read this type of history in order to understand the plight of the black man today. By reading this novel, one gains a greater understanding of just how difficult the black experience is in this country. By being exposed to this type of history, one realizes why it is necessary to keep policies like Affirmative Action in place.

Perry, Huey. L.; Parent, Wayne. Blacks and the American Political System. Florida: Board of Regents, 1995.

This book presents us with a political approach to race relations and discusses the evolution of racial experiences within the United States. Perry and Parent are approaching a highly educated and politically active/aware audience presenting them with the history of the progress of subordinate groups primarily African Americans. The authors discuss everything from public policy, race and the Supreme Court, the history of Civil Rights and Black movements, to both present and future

Puddington, Arch. "Will Affirmative Action Survive?" Commentary. Vol. 100, No. 4. Oct 1995. 22-26.

Puddington takes on the issue that is central to this course, and the atmosphere of whatÕs going on in our state at large. The audience is pretty wide, and his voice is colloquial and intelligent enough to be credible. He says that there is confusion over what affirmative action is really meant to do. He incorporates a lot of historical background that says affirmative action is misinterpreted because of the ambiguous wording and intention of the original laws. It was a political compromise for its time period, and was a product of that political atmosphereÕs needs. It is based on the concept that there is institutional racism at work, and that there is a need to act affirmatively to correct that trend. Now, we are in the midst of Republican agenda at work, using affirmative action as a political bargaining chip. The arguments are attractive to the conservative audience if they follow a race-blind approach thatÕs supposed to be based on individual merit. He admits that it could appear that the Republicans are exploiting this race issue for political interest. His final conclusion is that thereÕs much debate ahead to be forged on this issue, and that there doesnÕt appear to be an end to affirmative action, yet.

Rodriguez, Roberto "Clash of '95: After Three-Year Delay, UC and Chicano Professor Finally Gets Trial Date." Black Issues in Higher Education. 27 July 1995.

The US District Court for Central District of California has set a docket date after a three year delay for the case of Acuna vs. Board of Regents of the University of California. The Anti-discrimination lawsuit was filed when Acuna a professor at the California State University-North ridge was denied a professorship at the University of California at Santa Barbara for Chicano Studies. Acuna claims that he was wrongly a denied based on age, race and national origin discrimination. The UCSB academic officials said that Acuna was not hired on the staff for Chicano Studies because he did not meet the faculty academic standards of the university. Acuna's lawyer says that the case is really about "race politics and political discrimination." Broyles-Gonzales a Chicano Studies professor at UCSB supports Acuna's claims about the university. She says that Chicano Studies is the smallest department at the university and was adopted 25 years ago. An open later is attached to the article written by African-American Law Professor of California to oppose California Civil Rights Initiative. The article explains that affirmative action programs should continue in the universities for education and employment, because even today, racial minorities do not have equal access to the "mainstream economy."

Rosin, Hanna. "Race Matters: Berkeley- Postcard. (Politics of University of California Affirmative Action in admissions)." New Republic v213, n17 (Oct 23, 1995):21 (2 pages). The New Republic Inc. 1995.

The University of California board of Regents come together to discuss affirmative action in university admissions. Students, professors, members of the community sit in the crowd observing the meeting, most with angry expressions on their faces. Wilson says that some UC admissions need some "fine-tuning", but he says that UC Berkeley is an example of a UC admissions policy that has achieved what affirmative action has tried to do: a middle ground. Connerly brings up his own statistics showing how affirmative action programs in the UC admissions have backlashed and have discriminated against white males more qualified by UC standards. UC Berkeley set up a new policy for admissions called the Karabel Report which loosened what was before a rigid policy that gave minority preferences. The outcome was that fewer blacks were admitted but according to the observers of the study, were more prepared and achieved a higher GPA than previous tests. The Asians admitted almost doubled. The policy stirred few complaints and seemed to reach a happy medium. Still many professors and students alike believe that affirmative action programs should continue to be present in admissions to universities in order to help heal racial inequalities.

Rutstein, Nathan. "A Prescription for the Disease." Healing Racism in America. Whitcomb Publishing, 1993: (163-171).

Here Author Nathan Rutstein addresses black and white issues the United States is faced with today but, avoids discussing. Enjoyable and easy reading for the average audience including the authors personal experiences with racism. Highly powerful and emotional discussions of race, morality, and the state of the nations future in human resources. Nathan Rutstein presents his audience with a realistic and spiritual prescription for the disease of racism. He introduces his readers with a grassroots movement growing throughout the nation, the Institute for the Healing of Racism. Not only does author Rutstein discuss interethnic experiences but, he also presents us with a step-by-step tangible solution to healing racism in America. This prescription which Nathan Rutstein shares with his audience distinguishes him uniquely from other authors addressing the issue(s) of racism.

The Times Of Harvey Milk, Dir. A. Epstein, Documentary Film, 1985.

This film is a documentary about the District Supervisor of San Francisco, Harvey Milk. An excellent film for a mature, educated audience. Harvey Milk was the first openly homosexual politician elected into office. The film shows how he rose into office, what he accomplished while in office, and the tragic assassination of him and mayor Mosconi that took all of San Francisco by surprise. This film is essential to view to gain an understanding of the struggle that homosexual activists have in this country. Through MilkÕs assassination the audience sees how close minded people are in terms of sexuality in this country. It also shows MilkÕs dedication in letting every closeted homosexual in the country know how important it is to come out and fight for rights to lead a comfortable, open lifestyle. Harvey Milk was an important symbol for the gay community and his death was felt across the nation. This film is important to view in order to learn more about oppression of homosexuals in the United States.

Wall, James M. "Philadelphia. (movie reviews)." Christian Century v111, n9 (March 16, 1994):268. Christian Century Foundation 1994

A this article is a review of the film Philadelphia directed by Jonathan Demme. Wall says the film presents the courtroom drama and the disease picture side by side. Philadelphia has been a breakthrough for the Aids and gay issue in film making today. Our modern film makers have avoided the Aids topic until Demme picks up the theme in his film. Although Demme's took a risk in producing a uncovered issue in today's media, he doesn't take the full of gay, and Aids representation that many Gay, lesbian and Aids organizations would have hoped for. The film caters to mainstream viewers many of whom are straight. His film touched the issues but lacked the power and integrity to cover them fully.

Wildavsky, Rachel. And Levine, Daniel R. "True Faces of Welfare" The ReaderÕs Digest. March 1995. 49-55.

This was my second source for the first paper. It focused on the personal stories behind the welfare issue. The stories argued that they mad it clear that welfare is "mis-used" and these examples are supposed to prove that point. The audience was very wide, but playing to the more well-read middle-class. The voice used was personal, and often featured the voices of the individuals who were "mis-using" the welfare system. It was helpful to show that the side of argumentation that leans too far to one side or the other fails to be effective by not using legal language as proof. It makes a good contrast with the other ReaderÕs Digest article, but it isnÕt very convincing, other than for shock value. I would not recommend using this kind of arguing strategy to prove your point, because it comes off rather one-sided and assumptive. The article as a whole might be convincing, but it lacks any factual support or documented proof. It could be best described as a list of examples that would help point out the worst possible outcome of what was initiated to help people, and has become exploited. Plus, it also highlights several minorities, creating a subtle link to race.

A bestseller for a diverse and educated audience to read. Malcolm X was a Black activist and leader of the Nation of Islam in the United States in the 1960Õs. This book is important to read because Malcolm X was portrayed by the media in a very negative manner. By reading this novel, one gains a understanding of why Malcolm X was so angry. It gives a detailed account of how life was for him growing up and how his treatment led him to fight for black separation from society. Unlike many of the Civil Rights activists of the 1960Õs, X did not want blacks to assimilate into mainstream society. However, this viewpoint has always been presented without an explanation of why he felt this way. This book will give those who have misinterpreted Malcolm XÕs intentions, a new and unbiased understanding of his beliefs.

Compiled by Shadi Alai, Christine Amaral, Gabrielle Klein, and Julie Redman