Routledge Youth in Revolt: Reclaiming a Democratic Future (Critical Interventions)

Recently, American youth have demonstrated en masse about a variety of issues ranging from economic injustice and massive inequality to drastic cuts in education and public services. Youth in Revolt chronicles the escalating backlash against dissent and peaceful protest while exposing a lack of governmental concern for society's most vulnerable populations. Henry Giroux carefully documents a wide range of phenomena, from pervasive violent imagery in our popular culture to educational racism, censorship, and the growing economic inequality we face. He challenges the reader to consider the hope for democratic renewal embodied by Occupy Wall Street and other emerging movements. Encouraging a capacity for critical thought, compassion, and informed judgment, Giroux's analysis allows us to rethink the very nature of what democracy means and what it might look like in the United States and beyond. Review “Henry Giroux’s Youth in Revolt is not only a brilliant analysis of the victimization and suffering of youth in contemporary American society but also a hopeful manifesto for how this could be changed. Youth today understand that their demand for a democratic society requires a struggle for economic justice, social responsibility, and giving priority to the social good. They as well as their elders would benefit greatly from reading this book.” ―Rabbi Michael Lerner, Editor, Tikkun Magazine “Once again Henry Giroux shows why he is one of the most important public intellectuals in the world today. If it can be said that our future is in the hands of our youth, Giroux paints a picture that is at times bleak, yet still manages to restore a sense of hope. Drawing on political inspiration instead of demonizing youth, he positively reinforces his commitment to a critical pedagogy which refuses to accept the inevitability of the abuses of power which appear right before our very eyes.” ―Brad Evans, Founder/Director, Histories of Violence Project, University of Bristol “Henry Giroux is unswerving in his analysis of the ills that characterize our society. But he is equally unswerving in his analysis of the resources we can use to counter those ills. Youth in Revolt confirms his status as a highly skilled analyst who combines realism with hope.” ―Toby Miller, University of California–Riverside, author of Blow Up the Humanities “Henry Giroux has long been one of the masters at showing how changes in education and society mutually reinforce each other, for better or worse. He never pulls his punches, and at the same time finds new openings that justify his powerful optimism. Here he brings his rare combination of passion and lucidity to the educational and social effects of our ongoing global financial crisis. He shows that finance capital has achieved its unprecedented influence over social institutions through a simultaneous escalation of policing and state violence and attacks on the institutions of civic education, and develops a response. What comes after the Occupy protests in the continuing quest to democratize and humanize contemporary society? Giroux is a superb guide to the central issues. In the best tradition of progressive teaching, this book will illuminate novices and inspire experts.” ―Christopher Newfield, University of California–Santa Barbara About the Author Henry A. Giroux currently holds the Global TV Network Chair Professorship at McMaster University in the English and Cultural Studies Department. His most recent books include The University in Chains: Confronting the Military-Industrial-Academic Complex (2007) and Against the Terror of Neoliberalism (2008).