Right, Left, or Center: Rhetoric Versus Reality in Discussions of Critical Race Theory

• In Event: Freirean Responses to Colonialism, Racism, and Oppression

Abstract

In this paper, we first define CRT and articulate it as a framework to examine the history of race and class, focusing on how social antagonisms divide citizens. Next, we discuss the nature of power and ideology exposing how these historical tactics are being used today to frame political discussions of CRT. Our framework further examines ideology and power with the scope and purpose of the public CRT debate. Public debate becomes the medium by which the ruling class coerces consent, our analysis describes discourse as a subliminal function of the state and provides recommendations for parents, teachers, administrators, and stakeholders to reconsider political and ideological clarity in responding to what are discussions concerning the commons.

Authors

• Arturo Rodriguez, Boise State University

• Kevin R. Magill, Baylor University