August 1999
In This Issue
Ted Halstead, “A Politics for Generation X”; Claude M. Steele, “Thin Ice: 'Stereotype Threat' and Black College Students”; Charles Mann, “Living With Linux”; Lynna Williams, “Comparative Religion”; and much more.
Articles
Thin Ice: Stereotype Threat and Black College Students
When capable black college students fail to perform as well as their white counterparts, the explanation often has less to do with preparation or ability than with the threat of stereotypes about their capacity to succeed. Educators at Stanford who tested this hypothesis report their findings and propose solutions
The Periodic Table of Rejected Elements
A Politics for Generation X
Today's young adults may be the most politically disengaged in American history. The author explains why, and puts forth a new political agenda that just might galvanize his generation
Tabloid Law
A report from the chaotic fringes of the First Amendment, where publicity collides with privacy and the check-out line leads to the courtroom
Is Work Bad for You?
A sociologist argues that the new "flexible" economy undermines employees' character. Our reviewer, a leading business theorist and management consultant, strongly disagrees
Living With Linux
A new cost-free and crash-free alternative to Windows and Macintosh operating systems provides freedom at a price
China: A World Power Again
What is usual for China is unusual for the West -- at least in recent memory
Can Coffee Drinkers Save the Rain Forest?
Much of the coffee you drink is "technified"; "sustainable" coffee often tastes better, besides being a lot better for the environment.
The Population Surprise- 99.08
The old assumptions about world population trends need to be rethought. One thing is clear, in the next century the world is in for some rapid downsizing.
Comparative Religion
When I was eight, I went down the aisle one day and told my father I had accepted Jesus as my personal Lord and Savior. I was sure that saying I believed, out loud in front of everyone, would somehow make it true.
Ubud, the Heart of Bali
This part of Indonesia remains welcoming and serene
Brief Reviews
by Burton Silver and Heather Busch. Chronicle, 96 pages, $16.95.
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Letters
The August Almanac
Word Watch
