"It's like this Myth of the Supernegro": resisting narratives of damage and struggle in the neoliberal educational policy context. Issue 6 (2nd November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Baldridge, Bianca J.
• Is Part Of: Race, ethnicity and education. Volume 20:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 781
• Page End: 795
• Publication Date: 2017-11-02
• Subjects: Community-based educational spaces -- Black youth -- neoliberalism -- educational policy; Minorities -- Education -- Periodicals; Educational equalization -- Periodicals; Multicultural education -- Periodicals; Race relations -- Periodicals; Race awareness -- Periodicals; Black people -- Race identity -- Periodicals; 306.432
• DOI: 10.1080/13613324.2016.1248819
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1361-3324

Abstract

Abstract: As pathologizing, racialized, and patriarchal rhetoric undergirds neoliberal education reform, deficit narratives characterize the education of Black youth. Such narratives present deep challenges for educational policy and community-based educational spaces. This article explores the ways in which community-based educators resist narratives of damage and struggle in their own personal and professional narratives in order to prevent the cycle of deficit-oriented discourse that follow Black youth through myriad educational spaces. By situating the narratives of community-based educators within a broader policy context shaped by race, class, and gender, this article illustrates the challenges that arise for community-based educators that seek to frame Black youth beyond deficit narratives and who avoid framing themselves as heroes and saviors of Black youth.