Why so Afraid?

 On a segment of Marc Lamont Hill's show, he had Vernon Jones, former member of the Georgia House of Representatives and candidate for Governor to discuss the idea of Critical Race Theory being taught in schools. A white woman recently screamed in what seemed to be some sort of school meeting that she’s not a racist because she doesn’t want her children taught Critical Race Theory. Lt. Governor of North Carolina Mark Robinson stated in March that he opposes Critical Race Theory taught in schools. So, what is this Critical Race Theory and why is it such a big deal?

I would lead by saying that none of these people have an understanding of what CRT is however, it has become one of the loudest dog whistles for Republicans. It is being used to once again to alarm whites by accusing the Left of promoting an ideology taught in this country that promotes a heritage of systemic racism. This alarm is being used to stir a base that has openly embraced the revitalization of white supremacy through the term “patriotism.” CRT, at its core, believes that American Society is based on the concept of white privilege and white supremacy.

I am not writing to say I support or not support CRT; however, I would like to know what are whites so afraid of? People that have written the narrative of this country through the lens that reflects the bizzarro world. The bizzarro world is from the Superman cartoon that depicts a cloned Superman that was the exact opposite of what Superman is known for, primarily good and right. Many whites live in this bizarro world called “the lie!” Unlike Superman, this is real life. People are plotting, fighting, and killing to continue on in this bizarro world. Anything that threatens this way of life is met with brute force. I will dive deeper into “the lie,” in later posts, but for right now let’s focus on what frightens whites.

What happens if the truth of this country’s history is told? Will it negate the fact that men, who have been considered great, did deplorable things to men and women who also help build this country through blood, sweat, and tears? Will it change the damage that has already been done to millions of people through slavery, Jim Crow, and mass incarceration? Or will it give this country a real opportunity to live out its creed that has been promoted for hundreds of years; that we have liberty and equality? Will it then allow for whites to acknowledge this country’s oppressive history and allow for real dialog and possible healing? All of these questions can be answered if whites could answer two fundamental questions. What are you so afraid of and why do you continue to support the history of lies that have been a trademark of the country?