The Monkey*s Mask: Identity, Memory, Narrative and Voice

The question of identity is crucial to teachers working in culturally diverse contexts. Identity affects education at the marrow, particularly in the areas of motivation and relevance, which are fundamental ingredients for success at school.

"The Monkey’s Mask" takes a refreshingly original look at the problem of identity in our postmodern, globalized and mass-mediated times. It is based on research into the life histories of six academically successful people in their thirties who come from a range of cultural heritages, and their stories unsettle the myths surrounding culture and identity. The voices of the six individuals are powerful, clear and distinctive, providing fascinating insight into what changes when we cross boundaries and borders. They show how we construct our individual identities and how certain aspects of culture and identity persist across time and space. The book highlights the need to afford a central place to autobiography and life-history in children’s exploration of their world.

Here is a book to help educators and policy makers to critique the current bland curriculum and provide approaches to learning which are relevant and inspiring to all school students.

Chris Kearney teaches at Goldsmiths College, University of London.