# What is Critical Race Theory? **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 27, 2020, 12:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629 "2020-09-27T00:59:44Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 19
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/361 "2020-12-19T17:45:09Z")
🙄 > [@What is Critical Race Theory?](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/328): > > As another example of an answer to the question at hand: Critical race theory is when you cannot conceive of any framework for a thorny ethical question such as “who should be prioritized in vaccine distribution” besides “how can we make this a white v. black zero-sum game.” [https://twitter.com/JCompson\_III/status/1339814373121011712](https://twitter.com/JCompson_III/status/1339814373121011712) ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/362 "2020-12-19T17:47:17Z")
> [@GIGObuster](#): > > And I don’t think that was the recommendation anyhow, AFAICT the mentioning of race was just as a factor on why essential front line workers should get access to the vaccine early too. It is just an acknowledgement that many front line workers are minorities; however; many whites also fall into that category. AIUI the fact that more front line workers are minorities is part of the reason they have been more affected. This seems to get the causation backwards. ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/363 "2020-12-19T17:49:08Z")
ZS seems rather prone to… exaggeration in his claims. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/364 "2020-12-19T17:50:26Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > AIUI the fact that more front line workers are minorities is part of the reason they have been more affected. This seems to get the causation backwards. It could, if that was what they said, again, a lot of what you are declaring is coming from right wing sources that misrepresented what the experts where recommending. Again, while other posters exaggerate, you still need a cite that shows that the right wing narrative on this side issue is relevant to the Critical Race Theory discussion. ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/365 "2020-12-19T17:55:34Z")
> [@GIGObuster](#): > > It could, if that was what they said, again, a lot of what you are declaring is coming from right wing sources that misrepresented what experts where recommending What specifically have I said that is coming from right-wing sources? ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/366 "2020-12-19T17:58:03Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > What specifically have I said that is coming from right-wing sources? IMHO your followup questions to **Babale** and others that accepted what the other poster claimed with no doubts. Again, you also need a cite that shows that the right wing narrative on this side issue is relevant to the Critical Race Theory discussion, otherwise, there is no need to accept that this side issue was relevant or useful. ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 5:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/367 "2020-12-19T17:59:58Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > This has come up in the UK as well, though at least here it is not complicated by radically unequal access to healthcare. You’re clearly not a very good source on racial inequality in the UK in general, and this is no exception. Yes, BAME people have [unequal](https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10691-020-09437-z) [access](https://pmj.bmj.com/content/81/953/141) to [healthcare](https://www.kingsfund.org.uk/projects/positions/health-inequalities) in the UK. Sadly, this was being addressed under the last Labour government but that was reversed under the Conservatives, and is unlikely to get any better given Brexit and all. Although I will note that you gave yourself the “radically” weasel-word there, I think the COVID death disparities qualify as “radical” enough. ---
**Author:** ![Chingon](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chingon/32/17645_2.png) [@Chingon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chingon)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/368 "2020-12-19T18:09:31Z")
And yet you keep using him as your primary source of information… ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/369 "2020-12-19T18:18:21Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Although I will note that you gave yourself the “radically” weasel-word there, I think the COVID death disparities qualify as “radical” enough. I suspected there might be some inequality, but it’s not comparable to uninsured people in America, who have nearly no access to health care. > [@MrDibble](#): > > Sadly, this was being addressed under the last Labour government but that was reversed under the Conservatives, and is unlikely to get any better given Brexit and all. What do you expect from a Tory government? ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/370 "2020-12-19T18:19:37Z")
> [@Chingon](#): > > And yet you keep using him as your primary source of information… I don’t believe @ZosterSandstorm writes for the NY Times. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/371 "2020-12-19T18:25:01Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > I don’t believe @ZosterSandstorm writes for the NY Times. Again, the right wing sources (and that was what ZS cited) misrepresented what the expert was recommending. You see, requesting a cite from you would also show that you are not just relying on misrepresentations to continue going on. Remember that is not only about seeing if you can identify proper support for the accusation about excluding whites, but also the accusation that CRT has its ‘grubby hands’ on this side issue. ---
**Author:** ![DemonTree](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/demontree/32/8646_2.png) [@DemonTree](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DemonTree)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/372 "2020-12-19T18:44:11Z")
> [@GIGObuster](#): > > Again, the right wing sources (and that was what ZS cited) misrepresented what the expert was recommending. Is the NY Times right wing? Can anyone say what the equivalent would be in the UK? I’m not too familiar with US publications. > [@GIGObuster](#): > > You see, requesting a cite from you would also show that you are not just relying on misrepresentations to continue going on. Remember that is not only about seeing if you can identify proper support for the accusation about excluding whites, but also the accusation that CRT has its ‘grubby hands’ on this side issue. I suppose it wouldn’t really fit the thread if CRT is not involved, but I’m not particularly interested whether these scientists espouse a particular theory or not. I am concerned that these sort of views have an influence on a decision that affects all Americans. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/373 "2020-12-19T18:49:21Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > Is the NY Times right wing? Can anyone say what the equivalent would be in the UK? I’m not too familiar with US publications. Oy! The misreading and out of context cite with spin came from a right winger on twetter. Other right wing rag or blog was the originator of the misrepresentation. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/374 "2020-12-19T18:50:51Z")
> [@DemonTree](#): > > I suppose it wouldn’t really fit the thread if CRT is not involved, but I’m not particularly interested whether these scientists espouse a particular theory or not. I am concerned that these sort of views have an influence on a decision that affects all Americans. So no then. There is no evidence that this is related to Critical Race theory or their main proponents. ---
**Author:** ![WalterBishop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/aeb1de/32.png) [@WalterBishop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WalterBishop)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/375 "2020-12-19T18:51:09Z")
> [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > Walter’s quotes don’t suggest that there are no inequalities that aren’t race-based By my reading, they suggest exactly that. The quote from Encyclopedia of Diversity and Social Justice explicitly states that Critical Race Theory “… _argues, as a starting point, that the axis of American social life is fundamentally constructed in race. As a result, the economic, political, and historical relationships and arrangements that social actors have to institutions and social processes are **all** race based._” I don’t know how to construe that except as an articulation of the principle that _every_ social inequality in American society is, somehow, based in race. Similarly, when Ibram Kendi states _There is no such thing as a nonracist or race-neutral policy_ it rather forces the same conclusion. If all systemic inequalities stem from discriminatory policies of one kind or another, and all policies are either racist or anti-racist, it follows that race is inextricably linked to all systemic inequalities. The link may, perhaps, be tangential, but it’s always there. I stand by my interpretation, for the moment. > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > no CRT advocate I’ve ever met denies, for example, transphobic inequalities, or gender-based inequalities, or religion-based inequalities that aren’t traceable to race. Which CRT advocates have you met? Are they professional CRT scholars? Have they written books on the subject? I don’t mean to sound snooty, but, absent evidence of their expertise, I see no reason to give their opinions the same weight as the scholars I cited. Of course, if you could show me that your acquaintances have commensurate expertise I’d be willing to revise my opinion. > [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](#): > > This is much closer to what it really says. Please could you cite your definition of Critical Race Theory so I can see how you arrived at that conclusion? ---
**Author:** ![WalterBishop](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/aeb1de/32.png) [@WalterBishop](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WalterBishop)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 6:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/376 "2020-12-19T18:54:06Z")
> [@MrDibble](#): > > Weasel words. You either do or don’t disagree with, for instance, this vile lie: > > > [@](#): > > > > Schdmit […] say[s] that more white people dying will “level the playing field”, When I said I didn’t _necessarily_ agree with Compson’s conclusion, I meant exactly that. Compson’s reading of Schdmit may be uncharitable, but that doesn’t make it a lie. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 7:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/377 "2020-12-19T19:18:48Z")
> [@WalterBishop](#): > > Similarly, when Ibram Kendi states _There is no such thing as a nonracist or race-neutral policy_ it rather forces the same conclusion. I’ll address this as exemplary of your broader point, since Kendi is the one I’ve read most. His point isn’t that every inequality is race-based. His point, as I remember it, is that if you’re not actively considering racist institutions in a policy, the policy leaves those racist institutions intact, and is therefore racist. The idea that Kendi et al reject any analysis of inequality other than racism is facile, and is [trivially disproved](https://twitter.com/dribram/status/1235657980143521793?lang=en). ---
**Author:** ![MrDibble](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mrdibble/32/114_2.png) [@MrDibble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MrDibble)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/378 "2020-12-19T19:20:07Z")
> [@WalterBishop](#): > > When I said I didn’t _necessarily_ agree with Compson’s conclusion, I meant exactly that. Since that’s a vacillation, it’s essentially a meaningless statement, so you meant “exactly” squat. It’s a yes/no question - do you agree with him that Schmidt says what he says he did? > [@WalterBishop](#): > > Compson’s reading of Schdmit may be uncharitable, but that doesn’t make it a lie. It very much does. Schmidt said _absolutely nothing_ about “more white[sic] people dying”. In fact, any honest reading of their comment indicates they’re reasonably assured White people are _not_ going to be dying - and they think that’s because of White privilege. ---
**Author:** ![GIGObuster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gigobuster/32/421_2.png) [@GIGObuster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GIGObuster)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 7:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/379 "2020-12-19T19:20:42Z")
> [@WalterBishop](#): > > When I said I didn’t _necessarily_ agree with Compson’s conclusion, I meant exactly that. Compson’s reading of Schdmit may be uncharitable, but that doesn’t make it a lie. Thing is that I have seen many examples of dubious sources (and conspiracy sites) doing the uncharitable thing, and then other less reliable sources drop the conditionals, copy paste the misleading bit and **never** do corrections. I have seen this movie before countless of times [with climate science and other items being spun by dubious sources of information.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdnZ1l5TxJk) > 12:55: Ultimately, the accuracy of what we believe is our responsibility, because where we source our information is entirely up to us. We can check the accuracy of stories ourselves and use reliable sources or we can believe the Cliff Clavin’s of this world. ---
**Author:** ![Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/left_hand_of_dorkness/32/7156_2.png) [@Left\_Hand\_of\_Dorkness](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Left_Hand_of_Dorkness)\ **Post date:** [December 19, 2020, 7:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629/380 "2020-12-19T19:22:16Z")
[Another Kendi quote](https://thefeministwire.com/2016/08/gender-racism/): > [@](#): > > To call women lazy is sexism. To call Black people lazy is racism. To call _Black_ women lazy is gender racism. Again, this is not an issue on which reasonable people can disagree. To continue to make the claim that “the essence of Critical Race Theory is that all inequalities in society are race-based” is to willfully misconstrue the subject, full stop. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629.md?page=18) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/what-is-critical-race-theory/921629.md?page=20)