Recently, in Indiana, a white woman stabbed an Asian woman because, according to the white woman, “she was doing the world a favor.” That woman is now in custody and charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, and battery using a deadly weapon. It is not surprising, yet still frustrating, that, as a society, we have not changed concerning discrimination. Discrimination has become even more prevalent since COVID-19 and Trump’s presidency by using rhetoric such as that LGBTQ communities are “groomers” and “that Asians were a threat to the nation because they spread the virus.” The continuing rise of hate crimes proves that Critical Race Theory must be taught in schools.
Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic framework based on the idea that racism is a systemic problem, not just the result of prejudiced people. The theory holds that racial inequality is woven into legal systems and negatively affects people of color in schools, doctors’ offices, the criminal justice system, and countless other parts of life. CRT is important in American history because it gives students a critical view of history through the lens of “those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it.” CRT is a kick-start to policies that protect a diverse population, for instance, advocating for transgender and women’s rights, preventing gun violence, and defunding the police to safeguard AAPI and BIPOC people. The very nature of CRT is rooted in legal academics and the legal field, as the concept was born in courts of law.
In some countries, certain minority groups may face institutionalized discrimination, whereas, in others, they may face more subtle forms of bias. For example, minority groups may struggle to access education and employment opportunities, while others may meet more overt forms of prejudice, such as hate crimes. A concrete example of teaching CRT is in Germany and Japan, where schools and universities do not shy away from teaching the Holocaust, nuclear bombs, or the war. On the contrary, the governments in these countries view teaching history this way as preventing discrimination and racism, teaching empathy, and reducing violence. Moreover, teaching CRT makes it harder for people to spread false information and teachings that seem to “blindly praise a nation.” However, immigrants in Germany and Japan still face much discrimination in these nations. Still, the government’s decision to teach CRT in schools will enable teachers to look more critically at the materials assigned and create new ones.
Discussing minorities and biases is essential in promoting equality and understanding among different cultures and communities. Moreover, it’s crucial to consider other countries’ perspectives, as the experiences and challenges faced by minorities can vary significantly based on cultural, political, and social factors. The nation needs CRT courses because they teach kids that there is no “right way” to live and to question critically everything that society and the law deem correct at that time. For instance, CRT teaches treating people of all ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds with kindness and that essential life skills are not women’s jobs, nor that women owe the nation children due to the decreasing population.
Concrete positive results would come from including women, trans, non-binary, and LGBTQ people in scientific, philosophical, cultural, societal, and legal studies so that such studies are intersectional, diverse, and holistic. Eventually, the result will be the end of violence based on race, gender, and sexual orientation.
It’s essential to recognize that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to addressing biases and promoting equality, as each country has unique challenges and strengths. However, open and honest discussions about these issues can help raise awareness and build bridges between communities. We can work together by encouraging dialogue and understanding, thus creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
