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A review by jamesrawillis
Critical Race Theory (Third Edition): An Introduction by Richard Delgado, Jean Stefancic
3.0
This book offers a great primer into what Critical Race Theory (CRT) is and is not. It is written in a way that, as the title suggests, introduces readers to the core aspects of this method of analysis. Delgado and Stefancic also offer a brief historical review of how CRT came to be, as well as addresses, although briefly, some of the criticisms levied against CRT.
I think one of the best elements of this book is that each chapter ends with a series of classroom exercises and suggested reading. The questions and exercises at the end of each chapter I think offer the reader - even if not reading in the context of a class - an opportunity to apply the framework and further assess not just the merits of the theory, but their own worldview.
There is a great deal of discourse being spread on critical race theory today, much of which seems to be multiple standard deviations away from the truth. As of writing this, legislators in 44 states had submitted bills restricting or banning any teaching of CRT, with 11 states successfully doing so, despite 90% of teachers stating that they do not teach this in their schools, and more than 30% of American's reporting that they have no idea what this even means.
I suggest that anyone interested in learning what critical race theory is to start with this book, and then proceed by following suggested reading recs listed throughout the book. If you, like many others, have already been primed to view CRT as a "toxic and dangerous" theory permeating throughout all of America, I strongly encourage you to "empty your cup," and then read this book with a clear mind. Seek to understand this model before simply relegating it to trash.
I think one of the best elements of this book is that each chapter ends with a series of classroom exercises and suggested reading. The questions and exercises at the end of each chapter I think offer the reader - even if not reading in the context of a class - an opportunity to apply the framework and further assess not just the merits of the theory, but their own worldview.
There is a great deal of discourse being spread on critical race theory today, much of which seems to be multiple standard deviations away from the truth. As of writing this, legislators in 44 states had submitted bills restricting or banning any teaching of CRT, with 11 states successfully doing so, despite 90% of teachers stating that they do not teach this in their schools, and more than 30% of American's reporting that they have no idea what this even means.
I suggest that anyone interested in learning what critical race theory is to start with this book, and then proceed by following suggested reading recs listed throughout the book. If you, like many others, have already been primed to view CRT as a "toxic and dangerous" theory permeating throughout all of America, I strongly encourage you to "empty your cup," and then read this book with a clear mind. Seek to understand this model before simply relegating it to trash.