Critical race theory: why it matters for White Children
In recent years, critical race theory has come under attack, with people looking for any reason not to teach diversity and inclusion. And suddenly, (but not so suddenly) teaching about diversity, inclusion, Whiteness, and racism are also under the microscope from groups who believe critical race theory is harmful to White children.
The truth is that many people are worried that White children will be made to “feel bad” or that the pro-critical-race-theorists are making way too big a deal out of a portion of history that no longer matters. “You’re making all White people look evil when you teach history this way!”
I’m of the opinion that if White people have some reckoning to do with the unjust parts of our history that's for us to do, right?
And what does this have to do with White children? The real question is, “what do White children lose when they’re not taught accurate US history?” When we think about our children, and in particular, White children, if they're not learning accurate US history here's what they don't get…
They don't get the truth.
They don't get an understanding of systemic racism.
They don’t get the skills to navigate situations involving privilege and race
To understand why critical race theory matters and to understand what White children lose as a result, you first need to understand the crux of what critical race theory is and then explore why it’s crucial in our development and that of White children.
Understanding critical race theory
Essentially, critical race theory refers to the teaching of factual versions of US history and highlights that the US was built with elements of race driving the foundation of our country. Racial injustice was inherent in the systems that continue to define key elements of our culture. Unfortunately, the national dialogue has been twisted so that there is pushback about teaching anything related to diversity or racial equity.
Let’s think about this on an individual level
Join me in this hypothetical situation….
There's a big family secret in your family, something that many people know is wrong. There are actions that a family member took that have actively harmed others, but no one's talking about it because it has the potential to impact the family for generations to come. There are feelings of tremendous shame, guilt, and anxiety. Anxiety because, “What if people find out?” And “are we all bad because one of us did this awful thing?”
Naturally, we go to great lengths not to feel this shame, guilt, and anxiety. Yet- the energy it takes to hide and deny these feelings takes a toll on the whole family. The point of the analogy is that it’s time to acknowledge the truth, release the anxiety related to all the denial and take steps toward healing.
Why critical race theory matters for White kids
While children of color need the ability to identify systematic racism so they don’t internalize the racist actions of others, White children need to understand systemic racism to avoid carrying shame, and to be able to be part of changing it.
Here’s a list of reasons why critical race theory matters for White kids:
They’ll have an accurate view of history.
They’ll gain an understanding of the complexity of race relations and residual racial tension.
They’ll maintain the ability to think critically about what their role is in changing racial injustice.
They’ll have a better understanding of the beauty of racial diversity.
They will understand how their racial identity shapes the way they see and experience the world.
They will be able to look beyond. diffuse White guilt and shame, and see the way these systems have limited their lives as well.
Their worldviews will be challenged and expanded.
They’ll be less likely to develop prejudices about why other people do what they do.
They will be offered a pathway to being upstanders who work against these racist systems.
Ultimately, White children will be prepared for the way our world is changing so that they contribute to the healing of our country.
I encourage you to talk to your kids and open up the conversation to include critical race theory. Tell them what it is and tell them what it isn't. Tell them that it is the truth that needs to be told-and believed- in order for our country to heal and thrive. Talk to them at home, talk to them in the car, talk to them on bike rides, but whatever you do, don't shy away from these conversations.
And if you take away anything today, it’s this…
Look at the current state of our existence. We are essentially living in the aftermath of what happens if you don't teach critical race theory. At this very moment, we are living the consequences of not thinking critically about our racial history. We’re experiencing huge racial divides and alarming statistics that are hurting all of us.
As White people, we cannot continue to deny the truth about our history and we need to take accountability for what was created. We need our White children to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
The good news is that there are countless opportunities to learn more and do better. Supporting the teaching of critical race theory is one of those concrete ways to show up and do the work of anti-racism. All our kids need us to get this right.
