What in The Critical Race Theory?

As a Black Asian American, I wondered, what the hell is critical race theory? Am I supposed to capitalize all three words? Was I absent from history class? So I did a quick five-minute Google search, and this is what I found. According to Tara Yosso, "Critical race theory examines social, cultural, and legal issues as they relate to race and racism." Ah, so this is what white folks are all upset over. They don't want to know why their grandparents and further generations participate in the inhumane practices of chattel slavery, Jim Crow, and now police brutality. Honestly, this is something new the right-wingers can claim white people are being persecuted over.

Racism is in the bricks and blood of America as much as baseball, apple pie, and other 'American' foods and pastimes. My entire life, I knew everything I needed to know about racism. The concept of critical race theory and racism itself has become so woven in the fabric of this country; it has become an attack on American culture itself. Racism has been passed down from generation to generation, just like grandma's macaroni and cheese recipe. I remember growing up in predominantly white schools and hearing, "My family just do not like Black people. One of them tried to kill my sister, so we do not like or trust all Black people." It takes one Black person to make you dislike or hate all Black people?

My elementary school years were centered around racism and navigating as a little Black boy [I did not learn I was mixed race until later on]. Mom gave me a white-sounding name, so I had a higher chance to find a job in the future. I wondered why my light brown skin did not precisely match the other white kids in the room. The skin on my body was in the middle of everyone else, the dark brown Black kids and the white kids. Where did I fit in among everyone? Late elementary and middle school was worse. Everyone would ask why did I act so and say I was an inside-out Oreo. We all know racist people weren't very original with their comments. In high school, I was invited to this girl's birthday party. She let me know she told her parents about me being gay [I wasn't out at the time]. She further explained how it was okay to be gay and invited to the party, but not Black. They did not trust Black people around their children.

Why did I mention these instances? These should be examples of how racism is a part of Black and Brown folx everyday life. White people also serve a role in this regardless if you are considered racist or not. If I understand it correctly, critical race theory is a necessary part of American education, entertainment, and other forms of media.

As Ijeoma Oluo states in her book, So You Want To Talk About Race, "It is about race if a person of color thinks it's about race." Time is overdue for White people to stop assuming that racism no longer exists. Or that people experiencing racism are claiming victimhood. Remember, none of us chose to be hated. Instead, immerse yourself in the racist history of this country and learn the facts. Talk to your racist grandma and uncle and discuss their bigoted ways. Choose to do anti-racist work to create a better future; leave this place better than how you found it. Allow schools to host equity and inclusion lessons, which are required by many states. Be actively anti-racist, not silent amongst the violence.