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This article presents an interview with Ronald Takaki, a prolific and respected author and a successful teacher who wrote a number of important histories that explore the cultural diversity of the United States of America, including "From Different Shores: Perspectives on Race and Ethnicity in America" (1994), "Strangers from a Different Shore: A History of Asian Americans" (1998), and the recently revised "A Different Mirror: A History of Multicultural America" (2008), a groundbreaking work originally published in 1993. Dr. Takaki taught the first African American history course at the University of California, Los Angeles before developing undergraduate and graduate programs in comparative ethnic studies at the University of California, Berkeley. An activist as well as a scholar, he frequently appeared on national television to discuss and defend Affirmative Action, immigrant rights, and other cultural diversity initiatives. Dr. Takaki died in May 2009. In the interview, Dr. Takaki spoke not only of his own multicultural background and his interdisciplinary research and teaching approach, but also related some of the little known historical facts and stories he uncovered through his research.

The USA is undergoing tremendous cultural changes as we open the first decade of the 21st century. In this paper the author discusses the need to close the performance gap that exists between White, African American, and Latino/a students. To do so, educators must carefully consider several important cultural forces. The author examines the shift in demographic patterns as well as the impact of the 4th Wave and the emergence of post-modernism on education and society. (Contains 5 figures and 1 table.)

Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) and Joliet Junior College (Illinois), have institutionalized their commitment to encouraging cultural pluralism. Miami-Dade has established developmental studies courses for students and faculty development courses for both new and continuing teachers. Joliet fosters and teaches about diversity through academic programs, curriculum change, and faculty development efforts. (MSE)

This review of Jordan Peele's 2017 film Get Out examines Peele's cutting satirical view of the USA where a form of white supremacy is still being practiced. Four facets of the film are explored here: its dystopian view of neo-slavery in the 21st century and several of the elements that complement and complicate this theme, including the black/white color contrast, the modus operandi of the femme fatale, and the song Run Rabbit Run. The film is multi-layered, blending elements of history with several genres: thriller, horror film, and science fiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]