Critical+Theory+-+Andy+Moss

Critical Theory - Andy Moss

Examples:

(1) Critical Theory and the Freedom Tower: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71BL5Eyobf0&feature=player_embedded

This video shows someone's criticism of the decision to build the Freedom Tower in New York City on the site of the former World Trade Center. The video editor counterposes that decision-- at a cost of $2.9 billion dollars with the 20.5% of New Yorkers who live below the poverty line. He/she also points out that they are contributing to the community as well. I think this video illustrates the critical theory emphasis on finding equity and emancipation for classes of people who are underserved.

Critical theory calls for evaluation from three different human knowldge interests: positivist, interpretivist, and emancipatory. This vidoe relates tot he emancipatory

(2) Alcoa Aluminum Co. [|Alcoa: Careers: Work With Alcoa: EEO Statement]

One of our readings this week, "Creating the Multicultural Organization: The Challenge of Managing Diversity" by Taylor Cox Jr., was an example of critical theory applied to a situation. In this case, the article related to the idea of creating a multicutural workforce. Mr. Cox's referred in the article to his work as a consultant for Alcoa Inc. in 1996 around this whole issue of creating greater diversity inthe workforce. The attached EEO policy reflects words that appear to be a strong commitment to diversity. Mr. Cox points out in the article that simply adopting a corporate policy is not nearly enough to embrace diversity. Much deeper changes are needed since "most employers have an organizational culture that is somwhere between toxic and deadly when it comes to handling diversity." (p. 473). The question is: has Alcoa's efforts at embracing divresity gone any further, or are they still where they were in 1996?

(3) The National Center for Academic Transformation [|NCAT Homepage]

This organization relates to helping universities to upgrade their teaching while minimizing cost. It relates to the critical theory in my view because it is looking at a transformation of the learning process that will serve students better, especially poorer students, A focus of the emancipatory interest critical theory is on equity for all.'

Critical Theory