The Abandoned Generation: Democracy Beyond the Culture of Fear

In his controversial new book, Giroux argues that the U.S. is at war with young people. No longer seen as the future of a democratic society, youth are now derided by politicians looking for quick-fix solutions to crime and demonized by the popular media. This perception of fear and disdain is be--ing translated into social policy.

Instead of providing a de-cent education for young people, we threaten them with in-carceration. Instead of guaranteeing them adequate health care, we force them to take more standardized tests. There's a war being waged in the U.S. these days, and Giroux sees our youth as the target.