Race, Power, & Pedagogy: The Bluest Eye & Get Out

Posted February 7, 2026February 10, 2026 in Alumni, Childhood Studies, English & Media Studies, PhD Students, SPARK!, Students

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Debates over censorship, curriculum, and literary value continue to shape how certain texts are taught in U.S. classrooms. This work examined why The Bluest Eye remains both contested and essential, focusing on how its narrative structure and thematic complexity invite deeper engagement with race, class, and gender rather than justifying its exclusion.

The analysis was presented at the Graduate Poster Exhibition during the 2025 SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), a reimagining of Research Week that highlighted graduate research across disciplines. Developed within the Ph.D. program in Childhood Studies at Rutgers University–Camden, the work was completed by Nicholas Markellos, who previously earned an M.A. in English and Media Studies and is a practicing teacher in Pennsylvania. The abstract below introduces his analysis of The Bluest Eye and its pedagogical significance.

Why does The Bluest Eye keep getting challenged – and why does it still matter in classrooms? 📚 At SPARK, PhD student Nicholas Markellos examined the novel through race, class, and gender, connecting literary scholarship to high school teaching.
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— RUC Graduate School (@RUC_GradSchool) February 10, 2026

Abstract: Teaching Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye

Toni Morrison’s controversial novel The Bluest Eye has featured heavily on the American Library Association’s Banned Book list over the last twenty years. The novel has been challenged for its engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as for its graphic portrayal of rape and incest. Despite these objections, the work remains important for its narrative approach and its message to the community.

Toni Morrison’s controversial novel The Bluest Eye has featured heavily on the American Library Association’s Banned Book list over the last twenty years. The novel has been challenged for its engagement with diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as for its graphic portrayal of rape and incest. Despite these objections, the work remains important for its narrative approach and its message to the community.

Graduate Poster Exhibition at SPARK!

The Graduate Poster Exhibition celebrates the research and creative work of the graduate community, showcasing everything from prose and code to original research and artistic expression. As part of SPARK! (Showcase of Projects, Art, Research, and Knowledge), a reimagining of Research Week, the exhibition highlights the depth, range, and impact of graduate scholarship and invites the campus community to engage with ideas taking shape across disciplines.

Interdisciplinary Insights: Rutgers-Camden’s Childhood Studies Programs

Rutgers University–Camden offers interdisciplinary M.A. and Ph.D. programs in Childhood Studies, focusing on the multifaceted experiences of children across various contexts. The M.A. program equips students with the skills to conduct research, influence social policy, and work with diverse child populations, leading to careers in public policy, social services, and education. The Ph.D. program immerses students in comprehensive theoretical and methodological training, preparing them for scholarly research and roles in academia, policy-making, and organizations dedicated to children’s welfare.

Crafting Stories, Analyzing Media: Explore the MA in English and Media Studies

Dive into the dynamic world of the Master of Arts in English and Media Studies at Rutgers University–Camden, where literature, culture, and digital media converge. This interdisciplinary program equips students with the skills to critically analyze texts, media, and cultural narratives while fostering creativity and research expertise. With courses spanning literary traditions, media analysis, and a unique focus on diversity, including topics like race and gender, the program prepares graduates for impactful careers in academia, publishing, and beyond. Plus, the vibrant Rutgers–Camden Writers House offers an inspiring space for creative growth through workshops, readings, and events, making this program a hub for innovative thinkers and storytellers.