Self-avowed anti-racists are not only expected to push for equity (i.e.
Critical race theory tenets pdf how to#
Kendi writes in his book How to Be an Antiracist, “ is descriptive, and the only way to undo racism is to consistently identify and describe it-and then dismantle it,” (p. For the political identitarians, simply not being racist is not sufficient. Movements, such as the wave of “anti-racist” actions at universities and Black Lives Matter, are some ways in which identity politics and critical race theory have captured the nation’s attention. What are the implications of Critical Race Theory?Īdvocates of anti-racism and critical race theory use this focus on race to emphasize the importance of identity politics. It is because of this, they argue, that there have been significantly different legal and economic outcomes between different racial groups. Critical race theorists and anti-racist advocates argue that, because race is a predominant part of American life, racism itself has become internalized into the American conscience. Systemic racism, in the eyes of critical race theorists, stems from the dominance of race in American life. Critical race theorists argue that American social life, political structures, and economic systems are founded upon race, which (in their view) is a social construct. Unlike the Civil Rights movement, which sought to work within the structures of American democracy, critical race theorists challenge the very foundations of the liberal order, such as rationalism, constitutional law, and legal reasoning. Rather, Critical Race Theory, and the training to implement it, is a radical ideology that focuses on race as the key to understanding society, and objectifies people based on race.Īn outgrowth of the European Marxist school of critical theory, critical race theory is an academic movement which seeks to link racism, race, and power. As discussed below, Critical Race Theory is not the traditional civil rights movement, which sought to provide equal opportunity and dignity without regard to race. In order to understand the problem of Critical Race Training in Higher Education, parents and students need to understand what Critical Race Theory is and how it is implemented.