Critical Race Theory (CRT) is a worldview that interprets events and ideas through the lens of racial identities. It asserts that all aspects of life, such as politics, education, media, and the workplace, must be examined in terms of how they relate to minority individuals and issues. Originating from the Frankfurt School after World War I, CRT combines Marxist and postmodern perspectives to challenge traditional liberal ideas and advocate for dismantling systems of authority favoring victimized categories.
In the late 1970s and ’80s, CRT emerged from Critical Legal Theory, emphasizing categorizing individuals based on race and advocating for additional rights and benefits for minority groups through identity politics. CRT rejects judging people based on character, instead focusing solely on their identities and promoting the idea of systemic racism. This perspective has influenced K-12 education curricula, college classes, and workplace diversity trainings, perpetuating the belief that the U.S. Constitution and legal system are not neutral.
CRT proponents promote the destruction of businesses, monuments, and public buildings and endorse silencing individuals with differing beliefs. This leads to a culture of fear, focusing on differences and victimization, rather than emphasizing the shared principles of the American Dream. By erasing history and eroding foundational ideas of freedom, CRT undermines the promise of equal opportunity for all Americans, regardless of gender, color, or social background. It is, therefore, seen as a destructive force that distorts the concept of justice and denies individuals the chance to pursue their dreams.