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The (real) problem(s) with critical race theory
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is all the rage these days. Meaning, literally, that it enrages people. Or at least, pundits and politicians on the extreme right of the political spectrum. Predictably, it also serves as a rallying cry for people on the extreme left of that same spectrum. The fact is, though, that it is a good bet that most of these people — on both sides — have no idea what CRT actually is. Or why it may, in fact, be objectionable. So let’s take a look.
CRT is a theory, meaning a philosophical, political, and legal account of a certain aspect of reality (hence the “T” in CRT). The aspect of reality picked out by the theory is racism (hence the “R”), though modern CRT is cross-sectional, meaning that it also looks at other kinds of systemic discrimination, including for instance sexism and ableism. So far, nothing unusual or objectionable, I should think. Philosophy, political science, and law studies have produced several theories having to do with racism and structural discrimination, critical race theory being one among several. The controversial bit concerns the “C” in CRT: Critical. Critical of what, and in what way?
To understand this we need to take a couple of step backs and talk about the more general Critical Theory (CT), which is the broader umbrella within which CRT eventually was articulated. CT originated with…
