Critical race theory is an academic discipline that holds that the
United States is a nation founded on white supremacy and oppression, and
that these forces are still at the root of our society. Critical race
theorists believe that American institutions, such as the Constitution
and legal system, preach freedom and equality, but are mere
“camouflages” for naked racial domination. They believe that racism is a
constant, universal condition: it simply becomes more subtle,
sophisticated, and insidious over the course of history. In simple
terms, critical race theory reformulates the old Marxist dichotomy of
oppressor and oppressed, replacing the class categories of bourgeoisie
and proletariat with the identity categories of White and Black. But the
basic conclusion is the same: in order to liberate man, society must be
fundamentally transformed through moral, economic, and political
revolution.
Race essentialism: Critical race theory reduces individuals to the quasi-metaphysical categories of "Blackness" and "Whiteness," then loads those categories with value connotations-positive traits are attributed to "Blackness" and negative traits are attributed to "Whiteness." Although some critical race theorists formally reject race essentialism, functionally, they often use these categories as malicious labels that erase individual identities.
All whites are racist: Critical race theorists argue explicitly that "All white people are racist" and perpetuate systems of white supremacy and systemic racism.
This concept is deeply related to race essentialism-whites, including small children, cannot escape from being racist.
"All white people are racist or complicit by virtue of benefiting from privileges that are not something they can voluntarily renounce." Barbara Applebaum, Being White, Being Good.
"White identity is inherently racist; white people do not exist outside the system of white supremacy." Robin DiAngelo, White Fragility.
"According to studies, babies at two to three years old, start internalizing racist ideas, start discerning and making decisions based on racist ideas We're allowing our society to raise them to be racist." Ibram Kendi on KING5 News.
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