Critical Race Theory
- Karen McGinnis
- May 23, 2021
- 4 min read
Critical Race Theory
What is Critical Race Theory? It is often referred to as CRT. It is defined differently from different perspectives. The purpose of this discussion is not to make an interpretation or take a position, but to provide definitions, back grounds, and information. From that position, readers can more easily interpret the news, and form their own opinions.
What does Critical Race Theory mean and what is its history? The first thing that causes anxiousness when hearing this label is the word “critical”. It sounds oppositional and derogatory.
Rather than being a negative, even pejorative label, the word “critical” is a potentially hopeful term. In this context, “critical” indicates an objective analysis of the subject. A consideration of the elements and history. An evaluation occurs and then a judgement or even an understanding evolves.
When hearing “critical” linked to “race theory” it helps to replace “critical” in your mind with “analysis” or even the term “critical thinking” which would indicate that a thoughtful, meaningful and even historical analysis in involved.
The second word in the term is “race.” We all think we know what this means. Given the publicity given to movements lately, we think of African-Americans. In this theory race is defined as a social construct, with no specific group or biological meaning.
Race as a social construct is really at play here. Rather than the outward differences that are easily observed, or societal labels placed on people for various reasons, it is the understanding that there is genetic diversity. Genetic study of genomes within the human species reveals that no specific differences can be found between what we label as racial groups. Assuming the position that humans are humans, regardless of origin or characteristics, the classification of race then become a social construct.
It is helpful to understand social constructs when trying to define Critical Race Theory. A social construct is an understanding or agreement among humans that a term means a certain thing. The thing itself may have or not have actual connection to the meaning given to it. Instead, a meaning is attached that facilitates the terms’ use within the society or species.
Examples are “tree”. We all picture a bulky trunk of some sort, bearing leaves and possibly fruit or flowers, and a root system. Every time we refer to a tree, we use a social construct rather than stating its description. Time is another social construct. It has no real object such as ‘tree”. We use it universally and share an understanding of it. It is a social construct that is useful to humans. It serves us well. Money is another example. A piece of printed paper or a chunk of pressed metal is worthless. It has value and meaning and utility because it is a social construct. Its utility is recognized around the world. It is an agreed upon meaning, regardless of the denominations used.
Similarly the term race is a social construct. If it is species specific that all homo sapiens are humans, then breaking the human population down into races is a social construct. It has been given meaning, is understood by most, and serves as a shortcut in the description of characteristics and origins. A social construct is one way societies of humans communicate with one another. We give such terms meaning by unspoken, shared understandings and through usage. “Race” is no different than “tree” as a social construct…except that it is potentially more pejorative in its usage.
So far “Critical Race Theory “ has revealed itself to mean; an analysis of the social construct that divides homo sapiens into groups defined by their external characteristics and origins. Wow! That is a mouth full. No wonder it has been shortened to: Critical Race Theory.
The last term to be understood is “theory.” A theory is a supposition or a system of ideas that attempts to explain something. Its uses generally understood principles that are part of, but not necessarily the idea itself. Plainly put, it is an attempt to understand, and explain something. Theories themselves are a social construct. We understand that theories are not the thing itself, but rather a way of understanding something.
So, “Critical Race Theory” has been expanded into understandable language. It is an analysis of the social construct that divides homo sapiens by external characteristic that is attempting to explain its history, its existence and the potential affects it might have.
Critical Race Theory has been in the news. Tennessee, Idaho, Iowa, and Oklahoma have addressed CRT in areas ranging from education to zoning and land use. Teaching history and cultural awareness are not immune to the influences of CRT. As such, they have come to the attention of the sates mentioned.
The basic principles of CRT included the following:
1) The idea that racism is ordinary within society and not unusual. It is ubiquitous.
2) CRT is based on interest convergence. Many fear the influence of CRT, as it affects discussions of history, and for fear that it will upset what is seen as the “status quo.” Many promote the theory of CRT for exactly that reason.
3) Race is a social construct that defines homo sapiens in terms of external characteristics and through xenophobia, in terms of “other”
4) CRT is seen as a form of story telling that replaces current societal stories. In a previous discussion we saw how story telling contributes to the cohesiveness and self-image of a society. Visit the BLOG to view this discussion.
5) Whites have traditionally been rated as superior which then requires others to be rated as less, or unequal.
When considering CRT the elements involved must be thought about clearly. It calls for an analyzation of societal attitudes and the ways they are incorporated into institutions. It calls upon us all to “pay attention” to how it is used and the motivation behind the way it is used. It applies to all groups, genders, and orientations that might have identifying characteristics. The term CRT should not strike fear, but encourage conversation, analyzation and when needed, reform.
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Comments and expansions are welcome: Karenmac1999@hotmail.com
To view the discussion of Storytelling, visit the BLOG at
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Further research at:
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