Beware of "Black" the Ripper! Racism, Representation, and Building Antiracist Pedagogy

The cover of the June 15, 2006, edition of the New York Post reported that Kenny Alexis, who was dubbed "The Ripper," was apprehended after he attacked several people in a New York City subway. Alexis was shown standing ominously with several white police officers behind him. At first, the story seems to describe a random and violent attack in New York. However, the claims made in the description of Alexis, the event, and his photograph typify the representation of African American people as criminal, deviant, sexualized, and unruly. The representation of Alexis follows a common portrayal of people of color represented as the Other. The author suggests ways teachers can use this event and others like it to build an antiracist pedagogy.