Exegesis and Influence

Prominent Latino educators gave the last two John Dewey Society lectures at AERA. Pedro Noguera discussed "The Schools We Need—The Role of Education in Developing and Empowering Marginalized Communities" in New York City in 2008, while in San Diego this year, Angela Valenzuela's "U.S. Assimilation Policy and Generational Trauma: The Dismembered Passion of Love and Betrayal" was a personal reflection upon her Fulbright Scholar year in Mexico and a discovery of her extended family.

After Valenzuela's lecture members of the Society discussed the balance between Deweyan scholarship and Deweyan influence. In editing this journal, I have always tried to remain true to my Hegelian roots by affirming both/and. I believe there is room in the journal for Dewey scholars to showcase their work and I have sought out these articles. However, when I took over as editor of the journal, I did so with the understanding that I would also seek articles influenced by Dewey's work and legacy. This journal has never been a place for Deweyan exegesis, though submissions must at least discuss Dewey. One of the first things I do when I receive an article is check the references, and if no work of Dewey is cited, I either immediately reject the article as inappropriate for the journal's audience, or direct the author of an otherwise promising article to incorporate Dewey.

The articles and reviews in this issue blend Deweyan scholarship with current themes. Jessica Wahman shows how pragmatism was at work in the Civil Rights movement, particularly in what she calls "fleshing out consensus," while the article by Sam Stack looks back to 1930s race relations and Dewey's role. Elizabeth Meadows and Katherine Blatchford seek ways to achieve the well-being for all citizens that Dewey's democratic vision sought, too. Magnus Bassey explores the life of Malcolm X through the lens of Dewey's idea of educative and miseducative experiences, giving us a richer and more nuanced view of Malcolm X's seminal autobiography. Four book reviews, by Lynda Stone, Catharine Bell, Nathalia Jaramillo, and Richard Shusterman, complete the issue.

I have decided to step down from the editorship of the journal in mid 2010. I thoroughly enjoy editing the journal, and believe that after six years it is a good time for new leadership. I remember when I was deciding to become the editor that Jim Garrison said it would give me the opportunity to have a number of interesting conversations. It has always been interesting, and gratifying.

A procedure for applying for the editorship will be outlined in an announcement to various email lists, as well as posted on the Society's website. In addition, anyone may contact me at rud@purdue.edu for more information.