The Abandoned Generation Democracy Beyond the Culture of Fear

IN his latest book, Henry Giroux presents us with a powerful but bleak view of how youth in the United States is faring today. He argues that the United States is at war with young people, especially those marginalized by class and color. This war against our youth is waged by liberals, conservatives, corporate interests, and religious fundamentalists. It's a war that ranges for and wide and includes a full-scale attack on social services, the welfare state, and public schools. Following the attacks of 9/11 and the passing of anti-terrorist laws that undermine basic civil liberties while legitimizing potentially repressive government actions, there has been a thunderous silence on the part of many citizens, critics, and educators regarding the ongoing insecurity and injustice experienced by youth. Giroux argues that youth are now demonized by the popular media or derided by politicians looking for quick-fix solutions to crime. Instead of young people inspiring hope for a better future, their presence now engenders fear, a need for greater control, and increased surveillance. Instead of providing a decent education to poor young people, we serve them more standardized tests. Instead of guaranteeing them food, shelter, and health care, we increase their rates of incarceration. Instead of providing them with vibrant public spheres, we offer them a commercialized culture in which consumerism is the only obligation of citizenship. Certainly, they deserve better. Seeing their plight through Henry Giroux's eyes may be the first step in creating a better place for the youth of today to grow into the adults of tomorrow. Book jacket.

Henry Giroux is Waterbury Chair Professor of Secondary Education at Pennsylvania State University.