Less Hope, More Paint: On the Political War Being Waged in Urban Contexts

Abstract

In this response to the call for transformative models of teaching students in urban contexts, the author presents his own experiences in becoming a critical pedagogue, the path that led him there, and three models of classrooms that he sees in such contexts. He emphasizes the need to reject an apolitical stance in urban education, and provides a brief example of such a classroom learning environment.

Key words:

• cultural politics of education
• social justice
• urban education

Acknowledgments

I thank all of my teachers throughout my life whose support has helped in my creation of this article, and especially Dr. Carlos Adams, who continues to be my hero.