The Truth About Critical Race Theory
The ongoing debate around Critical Race Theory (CRT) transcends academic circles and touches the core of American historical understanding and consciousness. It is essential to understand why CRT is not merely a scholarly “fad” but a fundamental approach to comprehending the nuanced realities of our nation's past and present.
Many people that I esteem, have written widely about CRT. As a graduate of UCLA School of Law, who earned a concentration in CRT, and applies CRT in both professional and personal contexts; I find the perspectives offered by CRT invaluable in fostering a more comprehensive and empathetic understanding of American society. I decided to share how I personally conceptualize CRT in the hopes that it may help others.
CRT at it’s basic level states that all people are equal, worthy, and deserving to exist in the world. CRT acknowledges that the U.S. has enjoyed success because of the contributions of ALL races of people and it is a lie to pretend that one group is better or more deserving of good things than other groups. It is also a lie to pretend that we live in a fair and just world; where everyone receives the same opportunities to be successful and happy when laws and policies are in place to perpetuate inequality. Lasty, CRT encourages coalition building amongst ALL people who want to help remove barriers that have historically oppressed marginalized people: i.e. poor people (of any race) and people of color.
One of the misconceptions about CRT is that it is a “divisive” tool used to exacerbate racial tensions. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. CRT was developed with contributions from individuals of all races who recognized the need for an accurate examination of America's racial history.
CRT acknowledges that the fight for racial justice and equality has always been a multiracial endeavor, with contributions from people across the racial spectrum. There has always been white people who have chosen to fight for justice and equality: John Brown, James Reeb, Viola Liuzzo, and General Mark Milley to name a few. Not to mention the nameless people who work in admission offices, hospitals, and other workplaces who strive to give ALL people a fair chance.
CRT sheds light on dark chapters of history such as the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II and the Chinese Exclusion Act. These historical policies not only highlight overt acts of racism but also can inform present-day issues like the rise in anti-Asian hate/violence during the COVID-19 pandemic and current immigration decisions.
Such connections help us understand that the roots of contemporary racial animus stretch deep into the past. Further CRT reminds us that the U.S. has made decisions in the past that we now find shameful. If we don’t acknowledge and reflect upon that past, we are doomed to make more choices that we will one day regret and in the process continue to cause harm to marginalized people.
Further Information: