The brutality toward women, minority groups, underclasses, and the environment, that has haunted western civilization is linked to the three great western religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Further, it is suggested that capitalism is a primary mechanism by which this brutality is implemented. The book begins with a survey of western civilization that expands the traditional borders of the subject by including voices of women and other heretofore silenced groups. This survey uses the artistic record as its primary database. Following the survey, oppression in its contemporary forms is examined as it manifests itself in art, capitalism, censorship, education, race, sex, and violence. Eight chapters are organized in two sections. Section One: "A Revised Survey of Western Civilization" includes: (1) "The Birth of Oppression"; (2) "From the Ancient World to the 'New' World"; (3) "Modernism"; and (4) "Postmodernism". Section Two: "Education, Art, and Culture Today" contains: (5) "Racism, Violence and Sexism: Sambos, Rambos, and Bimbos"; (6) "Censorship, Patronage, and Education"; and (7) "Art Education: Virtue, Vice, and Vision." A Postscript concludes the volume. Contains references. (MM)