Creator Of Term ‘Critical Race Theory’ Kimberlé Crenshaw Explains What It Really Is

Summary

The script discusses the GOP's reaction to Critical Race Theory (CRT), accusing it of being a form of Marxism and racism. It argues CRT is not taught in K-12 schools but is a political strategy to mobilize voters by framing anti-racism as racist against white people. The co-founder of CRT, Kimberly Crenshaw, clarifies CRT's purpose is to understand and address enduring racial inequalities, not to promote racism.

Takeaways

• 🔍 The GOP is using Critical Race Theory (CRT) as a political tool to stir controversy and gain support.
• 📚 CRT is being misrepresented as a form of Marxism and is being labeled as racist.
• 🗣️ The speaker argues that CRT is not a standalone subject but a perspective on understanding racial inequality.
• 🏛️ CRT was initially developed to analyze how law contributes to racial disparities and to find ways to address them.
• 👨‍🏫 There is no K-12 curriculum on CRT being taught in schools, contrary to what some political narratives suggest.
• 🚫 The speaker suggests that the backlash against CRT is an attempt to reverse the racial reckoning following high-profile incidents like the murder of George Floyd.
• 📺 Media outlets like Fox News have been instrumental in amplifying the narrative against CRT, with frequent mentions to shape public opinion.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The fear of CRT being taught to children is being exploited to mobilize parents, particularly conservative activists, against it.
• 🎯 The strategy is aimed at influencing the upcoming elections by energizing white voters with a perceived threat to their values.
• ⚖️ The speaker expresses concern that the framing of anti-racism as racist against white people could succeed, as it has in the past.
• 📢 There is a need for accurate information and understanding of CRT to counter the misinformation and political manipulation.

Q & A

What is the GOP's concern with Critical Race Theory (CRT) according to the transcript?

The GOP views Critical Race Theory as a threat, framing it as a form of new Marxism that uses identity politics to divide society. They claim it teaches white children they are racist and is being used as a political wedge issue.

Why do some conservatives compare Critical Race Theory to Marxism?

Conservatives argue that Critical Race Theory resembles Marxism in that it allegedly seeks to create division, but instead of using class (as in classical Marxism), it uses race and identity politics to gain control and influence.

Is Critical Race Theory actually being taught in K-12 schools according to Kimberly Crenshaw?

No, Kimberly Crenshaw, who co-authored one of the few books on Critical Race Theory, states that CRT is not part of the K-12 curriculum. It is primarily a law school concept and has not been widely taught outside of higher education.

What does Kimberly Crenshaw say is the real goal of Critical Race Theory?

According to Crenshaw, Critical Race Theory is about examining how laws and policies have contributed to ongoing racial inequalities. It seeks to address these issues by understanding and intervening in the systemic barriers that still exist despite legal reforms.

What does the transcript suggest is the political strategy behind the GOP’s attack on CRT?

The transcript suggests that the GOP's attack on CRT is part of a manufactured political strategy to create a wedge issue that can energize conservative voters and counter the multiracial coalitions that have gained political power, particularly after events like the Georgia elections.

How is Fox News portrayed in the transcript regarding its role in the CRT debate?

Fox News is portrayed as amplifying the fear around CRT by repeatedly mentioning it—over 1,300 times in a few months—thus driving negative perceptions and mobilizing conservative parents and activists against it.

What historical parallels does Kimberly Crenshaw draw about the framing of anti-racism efforts?

Crenshaw notes that efforts to frame anti-racism as racism against white people have a long history. This tactic was used after the Civil War, following Brown v. Board of Education, and could be used again in current debates about CRT.

What is the alleged political motivation behind pushing CRT as a wedge issue, according to the transcript?

The transcript suggests that CRT is being used to rally conservative voters for the 2022 elections by portraying it as a threat to white children and society, even though the actual teaching of CRT in schools is minimal to nonexistent.

What are some of the negative labels conservatives use to describe CRT in the transcript?

Conservatives in the transcript describe CRT as 'Marxism,' 'bigoted,' 'racism,' and compare it to the actions of the Ku Klux Klan, calling it divisive and harmful to society.

What does Crenshaw suggest is at stake in the ongoing debate about CRT?

Crenshaw warns that if people don’t understand the true nature of the debate, the framing of anti-racism as racism could prevail once again, reversing progress made in racial justice and civil rights.