Learning about systematic racism has been relabeled as Critical Race Theory, and suddenly teaching about the Tulsa Race Massacre or how banks used to discriminate against minorities for lending is considered extremism and "woke". Growing up, learning this stuff in history books, was just normal and made sense in order for us to avoid repeating these mistakes.
> suddenly teaching about the Tulsa Race Massacre or how banks used to discriminate against minorities for lending is considered extremism and "woke".
No, these things were taught to me in school and I’ve never heard anyone consider historical facts like this to be CRT except people railing against conservatives (ironically demonstrating their own ignorance of what CRT is).
What’s problematic about CRT is its postmodern view that liberalism is inadequate (or worse) at eliminating racism; downplaying objectivity in favor of “lived experience” that can supposedly never be truly understood by white people; rejecting colorblindness out of hand; advocating segregation of minorities in the name of “safe spaces”; regularly and unscientifically trumpeting the existence and scope of unconscious bias; emphasizing intersectionality to the point of essentialism.
The famous Smithsonian “Assumptions of Whiteness” infographic (https://www.newsweek.com/smithsonian-race-guidelines-rationa...) is an example of these concepts infesting a mainstream cultural educational entity. There’s room to critique current racial discourse and advocate for changing models, but to state that the scientific method and “objective, rational linear thinking” are white values, implying that whites have a monopoly on science or that minorities are less capable at it, is obviously derived from critical theory, and is (I think unquestionably) horrifically racist. When there is any sign of these viewpoints seeping from higher academia into elementary schools, it’s perfectly natural for parents to become concerned.
Thanks for taking the time to explain this.
The “what’s taught in schools isn’t CRT” argument reminds me of the “motte and bailey” argument tactics.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_WOKE_Act
"The Stop WOKE Act, also known as the Stop Wrongs to Our Kids and Employees Act and redubbed the Individual Freedom Act, is a Florida state law which prohibited schools and businesses from teaching certain concepts related to race, gender, racism, and privilege. In addition to that, it prohibits Florida educational institutions and businesses from discussing whether race, gender, and systemic racism intersect with various social systems, including legal, healthcare, education, and so forth. Penalties would include disciplinary action, including job termination, and loss of public funding for state schools.[1][2]
After passing both chambers of the Republican-controlled Florida Legislature along party lines, it was signed by Governor Ron DeSantis on April 22, 2022, and entered into effect on July 1.[3] Intended by DeSantis to "fight back" against "woke indoctrination" and critical race theory"
You may not have personally been impacted but this is a real occurring to our schools (and workplaces) under the scapegoat of "CRT" and being "Woke". The Stop Woke Act is just one of many examples.
Yeah, I took advanced placement history and government. Things were taught clearly, factually and without bias.
Students aren't going to benefit from hiding inconvenient truths about this country's history and founding. We certainly don't need religion forced into classrooms either.