Raw and Uncut - State of Our Union P5 - What is Critical Race Theory Anyway?

“Racism is not just the product of individual bias or prejudice,” explains Sam Jean Esq., “racism can be embedded in legal systems and policies.” Sam, a former classmate of Michael’s when they both completed their undergraduate degrees at Eastern Nazarene College, also teaches graduate school and has made several media appearances on the subject of U.S. policy.

Critical race theory continues to ignite heated debate not only for its content and merits, but whether or not it should be taught in schools, particularly at the elementary level. Yet, as Sam explains, this theory is not new. It originated over 30 years ago, from a workshop organized by Kimberle Crenshaw, Neil Gotanda, and Stephanie Philips at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. It examines the overlap between race, the law, and society.

In this episode, find out what Critical Race Theory actually is (as opposed to anti-racism, or the 1619 Project), why Sam views George Washington differently than he views Thomas Jefferson, and what we can learn from the way that other countries teach their children about the ugly parts of their country’s history.

Quotes

• “Racism is developed due to the fact it is structurally embedded in America’s institutions and its laws since the days of slavery.” (3:48-3:58 | Michael)

• “I don’t remember coming out of that classroom saying, ‘Ooh, I hate white people.’ I don’t remember us saying anything like that. We would have lunch together, move on, graduate, and still maintain our friendship. But today…” (8:38-8:50 | Michael)

• “What actual critical race theory is, if people were being objective about it is something that most people would agree with.” (10:38-10:47 | Sam)

• “People have done bad things. In order for those bad things not to happen again, we should all be informed what they were.” (19:08-19:16 | Sam)

• “And if somebody brings it up, ‘What about the children?’ The children should know.” (25:41-25:46 | Sam)

• “I think it’s a political tool. And it is useful. And one of the things I have to say, Republican and Conservative strategists, they understand their base. They understand the things that drive their people and one of the things that Republicans, Republicans don’t believe in,--OK, to a percent, when you poll them– they don’t believe that race is an issue.” (29:28-29:54 | Sam)

Links

cuckoo4politics.com

https://www.instagram.com/cuckoo_4_politics/

https://www.facebook.com/Cuckoo-4-Politics-104093938102793

Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm