Wake Up

I’ve been fascinated by the obsession “Concerned Moms of America” has with Critical Race Theory and “wokeness.” My understanding of wokeness is the call to do just that: wake up and examine how racism affects the way we treat each other as well as how it influences social and political issues and decision making. This is more than just an academic exercise. It’s a moral obligation we have to each other. There are a number of examples of how racism has had a devastating impact through history.

The Indian Removal Act of 1830 was essentially a form of ethnic cleansing imposed on Native Americans and is an event that should be remembered. The creation and enforcement of the Jim Crow laws from the 19th and into the 20th Centuries would be an example of something critical race theory might examine. In the 1930s, government officials drew lines around housing areas based largely on race that were considered investment risks. This led to banks refusing to offer mortgages to black families in those areas which makes it difficult to participate in the American Dream. Another example might be how those of Asian descent had their assets seized and families sent to internment camps after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Seems to me, these might be important events to discuss so we can avoid similar mistakes in the future.

I really don't know why people are so upset about critical race theory.  The fact that prejudice is firmly embedded in most societies and leads to systemic racism is nothing new.  Look at India and their caste system.  Look at China and their treatment of the Uighur.  Look at the hatred between the Sunni and the Shia in the Middle East or the Hutu and the Tutsi in Rwanda or the Catholics and Protestants in Ireland or the Muslims and Christians in Sarajevo.  I'm not sure I understand why people are afraid of discussing this.  I think it needs to be discussed so that we can understand each other and stop basing decisions on the fear of one another.  From talking to colleagues who have taught social studies their entire career, most of them had no idea what critical race theory was nor did they ever overtly teach it. They discussed the slave trade and the events that led up to the American Civil War. But no one had subversive intentions.

If anyone ever got around to teaching critical race theory, it wouldn't make a lot of difference.  Sex education with its emphasis on abstinence didn't stop kids from having sex.  The Just Say No campaign didn't stop kids from experimenting with recreational drugs or prevent the opioid crisis.  And examining Critical Race Theory isn't going to prevent kids from being afraid of those who are different or encourage them to help those in need. The kids are going to look at this as another thing they have to learn, and if it's not on the state test, then they won't give a rip.  Heck, they won't care even if it is on the state test. 

So why bring this up? Because The Hate You Give, by Angie Thomas is an award-winning young adult novel that lays this problem out in no uncertain terms. It’s a realistic portrayal of the social divide and power struggle that exists between two different racial groups. Sixteen-year old Star Carter is bright, beautiful, and black, and is the only witness to the death of an unarmed friend at the hands of police officer, a scenario played out multiple times in today’s news. Wake up and read it.

https://angiethomas.com