Critical Race Theory has been around since the '70s in the academic world which studies how race and the
law intersect. It is founded on the idea that white supremacy is
real and the law is written to support that supremacy. CRT is a way of examining the law and societal structures to identify how they contribute to racial oppression. It differs from Critical Legal Studies (CLR) by narrowing it down to race and excluding other concerns, such as
sexism.
It has become a political point as politicians deny the results of investigations that consistently find that the legal wording and the subsequent
case law adversely affect people of color. The evidence, which is proven to be statistically relevant, speaks for itself and to deny that evidence clearly shows a disconnect with
reality.
Opponents of CRT complain that it relies too heavily on storytelling and anecdotal evidence instead of strictly reading the laws. What they miss is the fact that
case law is *always* anecdotal and it'
s still legally binding so
long as the courts use previous cases to
set a precedent the courts use today.
"I think we are a long way from the
3/5ths compromise and slavery being legal, but we have a long way to go and I believe we need
people who believe in CRT to root out
racism from our legal codes."
"Denier: Show me an exact time where CRT proves a
law exists.
Believer: The sentencing for crack cocaine is 100x longer than powder cocaine
Denier: They are both illegal, who cares which is longer?
Believer: At the time, powder was predominantly used by whites and crack was used predominantly by People of Color.
Denier: So?
Believer: They are the exact same drug and the exact same dosage. We treated
people with powder addictions and jailed
people with crack addictions. And the only difference was the color of their
skin. That is CRT in play.
Denier: I
don't believe you, it must have been a mistake!
Believer: If it only happened once, it's a mistake. If it happens over and over and always to the benefit of the white citizens, it can't be a mistake. That is why the
law must be examined for its words *and* its effects when People of Color are adversely affected by the same laws that do not punish white citizens."