A Template for Alternative Writing: The History and Future of Authentic Youth Voice
Type of Presentation
Individual presentation
Brief Description of Presentation
Using the framework of critical literacy, the presentation begins by discussing the historical context of US ideology, schools, and the rise of the underground high school newspaper of the 70s. It then identifies and describes “How to Start a High School Underground Newspaper” as a historical artifact while discussing the relationship of the artifact to its historical context. Next, the presentation draws contemporary comparisons to cold war ideology and identifies current examples of alternative youth writing practices. Finally, the presentation discusses the challenges and implications for schools of using alternative youth writing to build critical literacy skills.
Abstract of Proposal
Though there are numerous media outlets in schools, such as student newspapers and youth blogs, questions still remain about which voices are being heard in these outlets. Students whose views and identities conform to dominant culture are more likely to have voice in school media. Because of the lack of editorial freedom and the hegemonic dominance in various media outlets supported by schools, alternative writing outlets have grown. Historically, in response to the silencing of youth voices, numerous alternative writing venues arose, from underground high school newspapers of the 70s to the development of zines in the 90s. Beginning with discussion of a historical artifact, “How to Start a High School Underground Newspaper,” this presentation reviews the development and history of alternative youth writing in light of the cultures and ideologies of the historical times. Parallels will be drawn between dominant culture and its influence on school structures, thus presenting a need for alternative youth writing practices. Through my historical exemplar, I identify the voices within the mainstream media, as well as the social, political, and cultural issues supported by those voices. Using the lens of critical literacy, this presentation reviews the historical trends of alternative youth writing and addresses its subversive nature in relationship to mainstream culture and public schooling. Finally, I propose a framework using current media and technology trends for the continued development of alternative youth writing, especially in relationship to its potential for alleviating the current lack of critical youth voices in public schools.
Location
Coastal Georgia Center
Start Date
3-26-2016 2:30 PM
End Date
3-26-2016 4:00 PM
Recommended Citation
Glause, Kaitlyn I., "A Template for Alternative Writing: The History and Future of Authentic Youth Voice" (2016). International Critical Media Literacy Conference. 20.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/criticalmedialiteracy/2016/2016/20
A Template for Alternative Writing: The History and Future of Authentic Youth Voice
Coastal Georgia Center
Though there are numerous media outlets in schools, such as student newspapers and youth blogs, questions still remain about which voices are being heard in these outlets. Students whose views and identities conform to dominant culture are more likely to have voice in school media. Because of the lack of editorial freedom and the hegemonic dominance in various media outlets supported by schools, alternative writing outlets have grown. Historically, in response to the silencing of youth voices, numerous alternative writing venues arose, from underground high school newspapers of the 70s to the development of zines in the 90s. Beginning with discussion of a historical artifact, “How to Start a High School Underground Newspaper,” this presentation reviews the development and history of alternative youth writing in light of the cultures and ideologies of the historical times. Parallels will be drawn between dominant culture and its influence on school structures, thus presenting a need for alternative youth writing practices. Through my historical exemplar, I identify the voices within the mainstream media, as well as the social, political, and cultural issues supported by those voices. Using the lens of critical literacy, this presentation reviews the historical trends of alternative youth writing and addresses its subversive nature in relationship to mainstream culture and public schooling. Finally, I propose a framework using current media and technology trends for the continued development of alternative youth writing, especially in relationship to its potential for alleviating the current lack of critical youth voices in public schools.
