I remember the first time I heard the term “critical race theory.” It wasn’t clear in that first exposure what it meant and whether it was bad or good, the only thing I took away from it was that there were a lot of people who seemed very upset by it, and I didn’t really understand why. I remember being confused and thinking, “isn’t being critical of race a good thing?” I was soon to discover that, according to a huge number of people, no. It’s not. Me though? the more I learn, the more I think it’s not only good – it’s necessary.
In this book Victor Ray sets out to explain critical race theory. He talks about where it came from, the controversy surrounding it, what it is and – crucially – what it isn’t. This book is a primer on all the aspects of society that inform critical race theory. He talks about the concept of race and separates it out from any biological origin. He unpacks the sociological impact of that theory through time – and the very purposeful implementation of it as used to suppress whole groups of citizens. He discusses famous quotes and ideas on racism, from Malcolm X to W.E.B Du Bois to Angela Davis, and talks through their importance and what they meant (even, sometimes, how they’ve been misconstrued).
Not all of the information in this book was new to me, since I’ve been lucky to read some wonderful books on this and related topics in the past few years (Between the World and Me, The Fire Next Time, How to Be an Antiracist and The 1619 Project are some of the first that come to mind, but there are so many more). It may not have all been new to me, but it was a succinct review of the most important pieces of information that help form an understanding of this much-maligned concept, and lay out why it’s so important.
One of the most interesting aspects of the book for me was the author’s experiences. He’s a Black man (his father is Black, I believe), but he presents as white. He talks about the crossroads this placed him at – and the choice he had to make – and continues to have to make over and over – to either allow himself to be assumed white, or to state his identity. He talks about the ways in which this has impacted him, and his access to the “white backstage” when he’s in a situation with strangers, all white, who ascribe whiteness to him based on his appearance. Through these experiences he has a unique perspective as a Black man who, nevertheless, knows exactly what white people say to each other and how they think when they’re alone. To say that’s a gift and a curse is perhaps giving it a rosy-hued sheen. But it does offer a unique perspective that is interesting and enlightening to hear.
I’m really glad I decided to read this book, because while I knew that the way critical race theory was being used and framed wasn’t accurate, I also didn’t know exactly what it was. This book is the perfect primer – not only on critical race theory, but on the origins and effects of racism, how it has impacted society through history and how it is currently affecting those who are on the receiving end of it – from wealth disparities to the uneven impact of COVID-19. It’s not a long book, but it’s accessible and provides a fantastic base of knowledge upon which to build a better understanding of this vital topic. Perfect for anyone who wants to review or learn the basics, or anyone who enjoys intelligent discussion on the topic of race.
What exactly is critical race theory? This concise and accessible exploration demystifies a crucial framework for understanding and fighting racial injustice in the United States.
“A clear-eyed, expert field guide.”–Dr. Tressie McMillan Cottom, author of Thick
From renowned scholar Dr. Victor Ray, On Critical Race Theory explains the centrality of race in American history and politics, and how the often mischaracterized intellectual movement became a political necessity.
Ray draws upon the radical thinking of giants such as Ida B. Wells, W.E.B. Du Bois, and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to clearly trace the foundations of critical race theory in the Black intellectual traditions of emancipation and the civil rights movement. From these foundations, Ray explores the many facets of our society that critical race theory interrogates, from deeply embedded structural racism to the historical connection between whiteness and property, ownership, and more.
In succinct, thoughtful essays, Ray presents, analyzes, and breaks down the scholarship and concepts that constitute this often misconstrued term. He explores how the conversation on critical race theory has expanded into the contemporary popular conscience, showing why critical race theory matters and why we should all care. – Goodreads
**Thanks to Random House Publishing Group (via Netgalley) for providing an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!**
Book Title: On Critical Race Theory
Author: Victory Ray
Series: No
Edition: Ebook
Published By: Random House (via Netgalley)
Released: August 2, 2022
Genre: Non-Fiction, Social Criticism, Racism, Scholarly
Pages: 224
Date Read: October 12-27, 2022
Rating: 7/10
Average Goodreads Rating: 4.41/5 (245 ratings)