PART 1
I do my best to write about issues that are generational, not ones that will
evaporate in a week or a month. Nothing could be more on target than Critical
Race Theory (CRT). What is it? Why is it important? Why is it generational? Why is
it dangerous?
CRT preaches that the most important thing about you is your race- not your behavior, not your values. If you are a minority, you are born a victim of a rigged system that doesn’t want you to succeed. If, however, you are born “privileged” (their word), ie: white, you are an oppressor.
MLK was wrong. As Black, you will never be judged “by the content of your character” but ONLY by the “color of your skin.”
This theory is currently being taught in our schools, military, and major corporations. It is described as “uniquely American.” It teaches that this country was created by a group of white, male, rich, slave owning racists. The Revolution was fought to protect their lifestyle. The Constitution was written to preserve it.
“Our founding ideals were false when they were written” (Hannah-Jones leading
CRT spokesman).
While some call America “the land of the free,” she points out the years of slavery, Jim Crow laws, and systemic racism. While some say “all men are created equal,” she points out that in 1789, that meant all white, land owning men- not Black, not Indians, not women.
CRT states that since “our founding ideals” were based on racism, it is reasonable
that systemic racism still exists. It is not a matter of individual bias or prejudice. It is embedded in our legal and education systems, labor, housing, and healthcare markets. Favored outcomes are determined by race. Hannah-Jones and other CRT’ers tell us they are merely trying to correct historic lies. People are just ignorant of their own history (I actually agree with that. More in Part 2).They tell us that oppression is intentional. Our founding principles were designed for that very purpose.
I know. I know. Doesn’t she have a point? After all some of our founders were slave owners. Jim Crow laws did exist. There are many examples of racism over the last 220 years. Actually, her arguments sound quite reasonable. The natural extension is to destroy the current system and create a new one of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Don’t get nervous. There’s a reason it is called a “theory.” That’s because it is filled with ½ truths………and ½ truths always sound plausible. But like any fairy tale, it is filled with monsters and victims. It falls apart under scrutiny. Those who point this out are labeled “White historians.” The tragedy is it misses the opportunity to add detail, nuance, and context to our understanding and legacy of slavery and racism in our history. They have chosen not to celebrate diversity, but to weaponize it. There’s nothing wrong with diversity….as long as it is accompanied with tolerance.
If you teach CRT’s brand of American-hate, without challenge, our youth will not value, fight for, or pass on our tradition. The survival of any society ultimately depends on the education of its children. And, without challenge, America, as we know it, is over. No! It’s not just Black and White!
In Part 2, I will add nuance and context……………….stay tuned.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction…It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” -Ronald Reagan
“Ours may be the 1st civilization destroyed, not by the power of our enemies, but by the ignorance of our teachers and the dangerous nonsense they are teaching our children.” -Thomas Sowell
