Investigating Omissions of Race: Legacy of Paul Witty and the Meet Private Pete Readers

• In Event: Explorations in Biographical and Documentary Methodologies

Abstract

The objective of this presentation is to share results of an archival investigation of the content, language style, illustrations, and format of the WWII Meet Private Pete readers, used to assist adults who enlisted in WWII. Paul Witty was an interdisciplinary scholar, contributing to the educational fields of literacy and gifted education. This study explored the Meet Private Pete readers in the context of Witty’s body of work specifically focusing on the omission of race and gender. Limited research exists that has analyzed how the readers were written, illustrated, and their intended target audience. Utilizing a social practices approach framework, this study has the potential to contribute significantly to the literacy field and the field of biographical research.

Authors

• Margaret-Mary Sulentic Dowell, Louisiana State University

• Jennifer L. Jolly, University of Alabama