There are few topics today that are so absolutely polarizing, and this is not an accident. Activists from both sides purposefully use absolutes when explaining the situation and what must be done. For all you Star Wars fans out there, Obi-Wan Kenobi nailed it when he said, "Only a Sith deals in absolutes."
Shifting back to the present, we believe the controversy is primarily due to these three major areas:
- Confusion: Most people don't really understand these theories, where they came from, and what they really are meant to do. Don't believe us? Go ask 10 of your friends and family what critical race theory is and you'll likely get 10 different answers. Here's another one - ask them to explain the difference between equality and equity.
- False dilemma: What we hear in the news, from public officials, on social media, and in our schools is that you are either for or against these movements. You're a racist or you're an anti-racist - there is no neutral ground. And sadly the pandemic has intensified the picking of sides and the fighting between the two as emerge from isolation and seek connections and bonds with others.
- The theories are not evidence-based by design: And don't you go asking for proof, or you'll get an earful about how you are marginalizing someone as their lived experience is just as valid as any other form of knowledge! What is also important, and more questionable, is how data is often misused and misinterpreted by those pushing to use these new experimental approaches. It's interesting how those who appear to be preaching these new approaches to combat bias don't themselves recognize how bias has infiltrated their own thinking. Take a look below for some great, short videos that explain some these key concepts and how mistakes are being made.