The Universal King? Memory,Globalization, and Martin Luther King,Jr.

This article examines how Martin Luther King, Jr. is remembered and represented by journalists in Ghana, South Africa, and Mexico, looking at coverage of “critical discourse moments” from King's life and legacy (1963–2016). I argue that representations of King vary in terms of local resonance—how well foreign figures or events align with local myths, values, and expectations—and global salience—the perceived world historical importance of a past figure or event. I then propose a new typology of global memory reception.     

John Hinckley, Jr. and the Insanity Defense: The Public's Verdict

Public furor over the Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity verdictin the trial of John Hinckley, Jr. already has stimulated legalchanges in the insanity defense. This study documents more systematicallythe dimensions of negative public opinion concerning the Hinckleyverdict. A survey of Delaware residents shortly after the trial'sconclusion indicated that the verdict was perceived as unfair,Hinckley was viewed as not insane, the psychiatrists' testimonyat the trial was not trusted, and the vast majority thoughtthat the insanity defense was a loophole. However, survey respondentswere unable to define the legal test for insanity and thoughtHinckley would be confined only a short period of time, contraryto the estimates of experts. These findings, in conjunctionwith other research showing the public is not well informedabout the insanity defense, underscore the importance of examiningdeterminants of opinion about the insanity defense before additionalreform is undertaken.     

Miss Lyra Taylor,O.B.E., M.A., LL.B.

Abstract

Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) has been under-studied from a social work perspective. This article reports on a cross-institutional study into the psychological and social preparation for bone marrow transplantation. The data presented was collected from all consenting BMT recipients treated over a preceding three year period at four teaching hospitals. The key findings included demographic issues which had an influence on post transplant adjustment, lack of rehabilitation services, ongoing physical incapacity, disappointment at the slow rate of recovery, lack of counselling resources, difficulties in the way information was presented, difficulties with the transition from hospital to home and a perceived lack of interest by hospital staff of the needs of carers. These results were presented to the social workers in each BMT unit. They considered the extent to which the findings matched their clinical experience, and the relevance of the research to their social work practice. This discussion suggested the need for social work involvement on a number of levels beyond case-work, particularly in promoting organisational change.