Critical race theory

Question 1

main idea

Answer 1

Showing how pervasive systemic racism is - how texts develop in and through cultural contexts that produced them

Question 2

importance of lens

Answer 2

Acknowledging that racism is a permanent part of American and Canadian life - impacts people and groups; influences institutions and individual behaviour

Question 3

white privilege

Answer 3

advantages white people experience in contrast to non-whites

Question 4

Social Construction

Answer 4

race comes from social thought and relations (denies or gives benefits)

Question 5

Intersectionality

Answer 5

individuals are capable of claiming membership to different groups - even if they contradict one another

Question 6

Microaggressions

Answer 6

terms used to insult or create a slight prejudice against a group

Question 7

Color blindness

Answer 7

ignoring or overlooking racial and ethnic differences - denying experiences of others

Question 8

Meritocracy

Answer 8

people get ahead on their own accomplishments and not based on their identity - everybody gets a fair chance at success

Question 9

Institutional racism

Answer 9

systemic distribution of resources, power, and opportunities to people who are white - they benefit

Question 10

some extra notes to remember:

Answer 10

Racism is “normal” - systemic
Must unmask and expose racism for change to occur
Voice, experiences of real people must be heard and honored
Addressing racism - requires seeping changes in our policies, laws, procedures, etc. (implicit bias)
Racism serves to reinforce and advance cultural superiority
Change will occur only when it coincides with the interest of those in power
Structural racism - whites overwhelmingly control power and resources; white superiority; white dominance