The Astronaut Kisses Saturn

Pages 61-6

Rorty’s Social Theory and the Narrative of U.S. History Curriculum

This paper explores the implications for creating a U.S. history narrative from a Rortyan perspective. First, we review Rorty’s social theory. Second, we discuss implications of his ideas regarding the creation of a U.S. history narrative based upon his ideas. Finally, we examine two concerns that would likely emerge if a Rortyan U.S. history curriculum was taught in our public schools

ENG 3140: The Post-Colonial Nature of Disney: The Ruining of a Childhood

Savages, savages! scream the English colonizers at the Native Americans in the Disney film, Pocahontas. This quote exemplifies the postcolonial tensions that are present in several of Disney\u27s movies. However, the characters in Disney movies tend to be romanticized. Thus, we judged that Disney\u27s children\u27s characters were the perfect basis for our Post-Colonial video. The princesses we chose to look at were Ariel (and Ursula), Jasmine, Pocahontas, Cinderella, and Rapunzel (with focus on Mother Gothel). Each of these princesses had their own cultures and were oppressed by a colonizer, either literally or figuratively. Yet, the classic Disney movies glossed over this colonization in favor of a romantic, happy-ending plot. By creating song parodies of each princess\u27s song, we highlighted the already existing colonial nature of the movies, while also connecting to the post-colonial literature read in class

Girls on the Move: Adolescent Girls & Migration in the Developing World

Adolescent girls in developing countries are migrating to urban areas in ever greater numbers. While migration can be risky, for the majority of girls, migration can increase opportunities and economic stability and provide them with the autonomy to make decisions about their lives. Preventing the worst outcomes and helping girls succeed are essential to unlocking the benefits of migration. When migrant girls can take advantage of the benefits, they can be a powerful force for change in the developing world—improving lives and reducing poverty in their communities and countries. This Girls Count report examines the social and economic determinants of internal migration for adolescent girls in developing countries, and identifies the links between migration, risk, and opportunity. A wide range of evidence on migrant girls is explored, including findings on programs for girls and an agenda for increasing the visibility of migrant girls, reducing their vulnerability, and realizing their full potential