Critical Race Theory: Do people understand it as well as they should?

The common misconception with Critical Race Theory is that it’s teaching children to have an anti-white sentiment grown from being exposed to centuries of conquisitions, massacres, massive enslavement, and unspeakable cruelty. The fact that many parents are against the teaching of the course because it shows the white race in a negative light hammers home just how much the course is needed. Valuing preserving a false narrative over the moral and historical knowledge of your child is inherently wrong no matter the subject. Thankfully, the rising generations of young adults have a different view on the matter. I sat down with a like-minded individual to discuss this, and she did not disappoint.

1.What is Critical Race Theory?

Cestihny Bennett: “Critical Race Theory is teaching children about race and the effects thereof in the school systems.”

2.When is the best time (in your opinion) to incorporate serious discussions of race in the k-12 learning group

Cestihny: “[CRT should be taught] as soon as possible. If you can teach it in preschool, then do it.”

Da’Vier: “I feel like they don’t really teach stuff like that, because your brain isn’t wired to those types of things yet.

Cestihny: “Perhaps there should be parts to it, like in kindergarten it’s like ‘Oh we’re brown and they’re white’-”

Da’Vier: “And there’s nothing wrong with that.”

Cestihny: “Right, because a kindergarten isn’t going to understand systemic oppression. So make it a core class instead of an elective.

Da’Vier: “But it's going to be hard for the teacher to teach it and the student to comprehend it. Because you’re giving this heavy topic of race and its effects to one generation of teachers to teach this one generation of kids. Now once there’s an actual curriculum, it’ll be easier, but these first years will be hard. We need this as a mainstay class NOW, but someone has to start it.”

3.How would it Be advantageous to teach CRT?

“I guess because you get a different perspective compared to what you get at home, whether it be right or wrong, it’s still important to have a second opinion.”

4. Why do you think so many people are against the discussion and instruction of race as a social concept in the classroom?

Cestihny: “On one hand, people feel that’s a subject you only talk about in the home; but I feel like we’re reaching an age where that’s not enough anymore. We are kind of pushing people, but at the same time, it’s like, if we don’t do it, who will?”

Da’Vier: “I think people like to ignore that it’s an issue, for the simple fact when it comes to race, people don’t like to have confrontation on that level. Especially when it comes to their children; they want to keep their children sheltered away from racial discussion, but because it’s such a prevalent problem, you can’t really shelter anyone. Everything we do in life has some effect on the situation as a whole.”

Cestihny: “That should be obvious though.”

Da’Vier: “But when there're parents that don’t want their kid to know too much, and parents that don’t know enough themselves, against people that actually study this theory and know what they’re talking about, of course the vast majority is going to win.”

Cestihny: “Okay, so if that’s the case, how about in order for you to vote on CRT you have to know what it is, and be taught to vote on it. We can’t have another generation of parents like you. So if you want a say, you have to be taught. It is what it is.”

If you want to know more about Critical Race Theory and the opposing side’s views, please visit https://www.edweek.org/leadership/what-is-critical-race-theory-and-why-is-it-under-attack/2021/05. Thank you!