Critical Race Theory has many central arguments. People have forgotten them, but they would be wise to refresh because 1.) CRT is still everywhere, especially education 2.) The framework is being adopted by fringe elements on the Right that will subvert MAGA.
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1. Racism is normal, not aberrational
CRT argues racism is the norm because it's embedded in the very fabric of society. There is no such thing as a "not racist" person.
CRT argues racism is the norm because it's embedded in the very fabric of society. There is no such thing as a "not racist" person.
2. Interest Convergence
Racial progress often aligns with the interests of the powerful. Change happens when it benefits those in power, not solely because of moral or ethical concerns.
Racial progress often aligns with the interests of the powerful. Change happens when it benefits those in power, not solely because of moral or ethical concerns.
3. Critique of Liberalism
CRT challenges liberal ideas like colorblindness, incremental change, equality theory, and neutral principles of constitutional law. It argues these approaches ignore/run cover for systemic inequities and maintain the unjust status quo.
CRT challenges liberal ideas like colorblindness, incremental change, equality theory, and neutral principles of constitutional law. It argues these approaches ignore/run cover for systemic inequities and maintain the unjust status quo.
4. Intersectionality
CRT recognizes that race intersects with other social identities, such as gender, class, and sexuality, producing unique and cumulative forms of discrimination and oppression.
CRT recognizes that race intersects with other social identities, such as gender, class, and sexuality, producing unique and cumulative forms of discrimination and oppression.
5. Lived Experience/Standpoint Epistemology
Lived experiences of marginalized groups, particularly people of color, are essential to understanding racism and should be prioritized in research and analysis as "more true" than competing claims.
Lived experiences of marginalized groups, particularly people of color, are essential to understanding racism and should be prioritized in research and analysis as "more true" than competing claims.
6. Revisionist History/Counter-Storytelling/Narrative Weaving
CRT reinterprets historical narratives to expose how race and racism have shaped society, challenging traditional accounts that minimize or omit these dynamics.
CRT reinterprets historical narratives to expose how race and racism have shaped society, challenging traditional accounts that minimize or omit these dynamics.
7. Structural Determinism
Social structures and institutions often perpetuate racial hierarchies, limiting the ability of reforms to produce meaningful change without addressing systemic foundations.
Social structures and institutions often perpetuate racial hierarchies, limiting the ability of reforms to produce meaningful change without addressing systemic foundations.
8. Whiteness as Property
Whiteness is treated as a form of private property that provides privileges and benefits to those who possess it, reinforcing inequality.
Whiteness is treated as a form of private property that provides privileges and benefits to those who possess it, reinforcing inequality.
9. Commitment to Activism/"Social Justice"
CRT attempts to dismantle racial hierarchies and promote equity through "transformative" action and scholarship.
CRT attempts to dismantle racial hierarchies and promote equity through "transformative" action and scholarship.
The fringe but growing Woke Right movement is adopting many elements of the CRT framework.
They say yes, racism is the normal state of affairs, and that's a good thing. Whereas CRT reifies race for political purposes, this fringe group does the same.
They say yes, racism is the normal state of affairs, and that's a good thing. Whereas CRT reifies race for political purposes, this fringe group does the same.
This movement also argues that things only improve for ethnic groups or white people when interests converge with the powerful and privileged. Generally, this argument culminates on the conspiracy of "Jewish Supremacy" rather than "White Supremacy."
The Woke Right critique the "very foundations of the liberal order," just as the Critical Race Theorists do.
The Woke Right, in essence, say, "Yes. You're right. Liberalism is the problem!"
The Woke Right, in essence, say, "Yes. You're right. Liberalism is the problem!"
This group hasn't gone fully intersectional yet, but they will. Imagine "Poor "heritage American" Catholic in the Midwest vs. Wealthy descendent of German immigrant Protestant in the Rust Belt."
Who has "more privilege"? Who needs more equity?
Who has "more privilege"? Who needs more equity?
The Woke Right embraces standpoint epistemology because they believe "the truth" is hidden from them. Their truth holds more weight. Their perception is reality; their perception constitutes reality.
They've embraced the same "critical methods" of the CRTs.
They've embraced the same "critical methods" of the CRTs.
They're revising history as we speak. "Hitler was the good guy!" etc.
They think their lives are structurally determinate, which is why they are left only with the job at Panda Express.
They do view "whiteness" as a property that only belongs to white people.
They're utterly committed to a revolution.
CRT is wicked and evil. We must reject not just the game being played, but the board on which it's played - heretical dialectical idealist nonsense.
CRT is wicked and evil. We must reject not just the game being played, but the board on which it's played - heretical dialectical idealist nonsense.
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