As a black man who was raised in a mostly white-populated neighborhood, discussions about critical race theory were taboo.
In fact, my best friend growing up was a white girl named Hailey.
And here’s the thing, Hailey’s family also loved fried chicken with extra hot sauce and they’d invite me over for dinner often. Race was never a topic with them.
Things changed when, in 3rd grade, my mom enrolled me in a mostly white charter academy.
Even though I wasn’t the only black male student, it was clear as day that I was the most flamboyant. So even with familiarity I still felt like the odd one out.
This played a role into why I would lash out in the classroom.
“I’m SICK of these WHITE TEACHERS!!”, I yelled after being sent out of English class for talking back(yet again). This time, Mr. Mabelson would leave my mom to due the disciplinary dirty work.
When i got home that day, I tried completing my homework on the porch(like a good boy) so my mom wouldn’t spank me. Of course that didn’t work.
But why was I in trouble for voicing my genuine feelings of discrimination from a white teacher? Was it because I said it out loud? Does this sound familiar?(because it should).
That kind of outburst from a 3rd grader was an obvious indication for racial counseling and not disciplinary action.
If critical race theory was apart of the academy’s curriculum, I probably wouldn’t have felt like Mr. Mabelson was abusing his authority…as much.
But what exactly is Critical Race Theory?
Critical Race Theory Simplified
Critical race theory is a framework that helps explain the ways in which race intersects with systems of power and oppression.
It’s often used in legal studies and focuses on how race has been used to uphold systems of inequality and perpetuate societal hierarchies.
Critical race theory challenges the notion of color-blindness and argues that race is an essential part of understanding and addressing social and political issues.
One of the core tenants of critical race theory is the idea that racism is not just an individual act or belief, but a systemic and institutional problem.
This means that even if an individual person is not explicitly racist, the very structures of society may still perpetuate and reinforce racial inequality.
Critics of critical race theory argue that it promotes a divisive and unfair worldview, but proponents argue that it is necessary to identify and address systemic injustices in our society.
Ultimately, critical race theory is a tool for understanding how race and power intersect, and for working towards a more equitable and just society for all.
So why would Ron DeSantis and other politicians outlaw this from classrooms?
You tell me.
But if I were to take a wild guess…it seems like another case of Mr. Mabelson abusing his role.
Anybody who is willing to outlaw books that expose the realities of the United States is against the advancement of the nation’s people.
Why? Because they’re aware that critical race theory raises awareness in young people’s minds.
Awareness that may just involve seeing the racist system for what it actually is. Not the facade that white supremacist politicians want them to believe.
It’s actually hilarious to think that a nation built on the backs of black slaves doesn’t somehow…in some way…have a system in place to continuously oppress those slave’s for generations. It. Is. Common. Sense.
Don’t believe me? You don’t have to.
Look at this picture…
And this one…
Okay one more…
Who do you see highlighted on these bills?
And just as equally important, who don’t you see highlighted on these bills?
Critical race theory allows culturally diverse students to talk about why historical black figures, that helped build this nation, aren’t highlighted on ANY UNITED STATES CURRENCY.
I actually had to question why I work so hard to collect money that doesn’t include prominent black leaders that made the United States what it is today.
Why would I feel equal when slave owners are glorified on every dollar that I earn?
Most interesting part to me is that no one questions this.
Even black celebrities brag about how many white slave owners they have stacked up. Where’s the pride in this?
Yes, Benjamin Franklin wanted to free slaves in his later years…but this doesn’t negate the fact he still owned slaves.
Revelations, such as the currency example, is a shining reason why Critical Race Theory MUST be discussed in every Elementary, High School, and College.
As long as black and white people co-exist in the United States, there will be a need for Critical Race Theory.
Why you ask? Because the United States was already founded on color-blindness and history repeats itself. Colored people weren’t meant to be ‘seen’ as equal to begin with. Ever heard of Jim Crow laws?
The black fight for freedom and equality with whites required war…it wasn’t given out of kindness and a utopian vision for the United States.
I wonder what all-white juries think about critical race theory. What would the unanimous jurisdiction be?
The main issue with banning critical race theory is that it’s a direct attempt to erase history.
I could imagine it being really easy to discount the concerns and experiences of another ethnicity of people from your own when there were literal laws in place that once made it acceptable…even praisable to do so.
So why would anyone think that Jim Crow ideology wouldn’t be passed down for generations and mutated into modern-day systems?
You tell me.
There was also a time when emojis didn’t even have inclusive complexions👨🏿. Yet another example of why critical race theory is necessary.👍🏽
The Big Picture
Could you imagine a society without social media? A society without seeing black faces like mine and so many others on YouTube? A society where white-owned newspaper distributors got to shape the narrative about what you consumed as “truth”? A society where George Floyd’s killer would be seen as a hero instead of the villain?
We must not forget history.
Now that you know what critical race theory is and why it’s critical for the advancement of the United States, you can vote more confidently for leaders who align with your stance on this subject.
Chat with me in the comment section to discuss further and share with everyone you know!