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The Controversial Topics Of Critical Race Theory

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In today’s society the topic of Critical Race Theory (CRT) is highly controversial, specifically between political parties. The theory itself derived as a critique of color blindness within legal studies. Today it also applies to education research and higher education curriculum (Cabrera, 2018: 210). While some of the definitions may vary, a general rule of thumb is that Critical Race Theory is a collection of activists and scholars that study and attempt to transform the relationship between race, racism, and power (Cabrera, 2018: 211). It strongly encourages the idea that within society it is important to recognize and understand how racism is embedded into our institutions. In doing this, the history behind racism and other cases of discrimination …show more content…

Many curriculums have been known to purposefully leave out the brutal, yet accurate, information in regards to structural racism (Fang and White, 2022: 2). This is because despite trying to move forward, many Americans are not willing to admit or relive their faults throughout history. They believe that if they do not talk and educate the newer generations, it can be forgotten. In reality, learning about the historical roots of racial inequality can help shift the attitudes of America into a more inclusive setting (Fang and White, 2022: 3). Evidence was found that not only does exposure to historical information reduce racial resentment, but it can also prompt believing that structural racial inequalities exist (Fang and White, 2022: …show more content…

Some of its critiques are worth hearing so that scholars can change and develop the theory. For example, although Critical Race Theory has done a remarkable job providing insight as to the ins and outs of systematic racism, it has failed to succeed in developing a coherent and grounded theory of race. While it is important to know about systematic racism and how society can try to change it now, it is equally important to get to the root of why this systematic racism is experienced and where the root of the problem is. Another example is the lack of unification behind the theory. In all three articles read, the definition and focus of Critical Race Theory is slightly different. Although the different definitions without a doubt have a common goal, there are clear indicators that theory itself is not fully set in stone. In fact, many people who believe in this theory, do not completely agree with all the beliefs that are seen as foundational concepts. Critical Race Theory has a plethora of concepts and methods, but these have not been coherently integrated in a way that is essential to giving the theory the intellectual architecture that is required of most social theory (Trevino, Harris, and Wallace, 2008: 9). Until this happens, Critical Race Theory will continue to be seen as more of a ‘movement’ than a theory, especially amongst its

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