The Gray Area with Sean Illing Introducing: Now & Then
Jul 1, 2021
In a captivating discussion, award-winning historians Heather Cox Richardson and Joanne Freeman dive into critical race theory, unpacking its origins and the current battles surrounding it in education. They explore the evolution of American historiography, emphasizing the need for diverse perspectives in shaping national identity. The hosts also draw intriguing parallels between historical political struggles and today's culture wars, highlighting the ongoing challenges of inclusivity in history. It's a thought-provoking journey through the complexities of America’s past and present.
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Critical Race Theory Explained
- Critical Race Theory (CRT), developed in the 1970s and 1980s, examines how historical inequalities continue to shape present-day outcomes.
- CRT argues that systemic biases within legal and other societal structures, rather than individual prejudice alone, perpetuate disparities.
DeGraff v. General Motors
- In DeGraff v. General Motors (1976), Black women sued GM for discriminatory promotion practices.
- The court dismissed their claim, citing the promotion of some Black men and some white women at GM, failing to address the intersectional bias.
CRT Weaponized
- The weaponization of CRT in political discourse distorts its academic meaning and aims to restrict educational discussions on race.
- Proposed legislation in several states, echoing Trump's 1776 Commission, limits teaching about systemic racism.
