In the first chapter of the book ‘critical race theory’, the author invests time in explaining the background to critical race theory and its advancement as a movement (Delgado & Stefancic 3). The author describes the critical race theory movement as a group of scholars and activists interested in changing the relationships among race, racism, and power (Delgado & Stefancic 4). The movement has spread its wing across disciplines such as law, education, and ethnic studies taking up an activist role in these disciplines. The chapter traces the origins of the movement in the 1970s after the civil rights movement era (Delgado & Stefancic 5). The author provides an insight into the relationship of the movement to others such as radical feminism and critical legal studies. The author also takes time to pinpoint the leading figures of the critical race theory movement. The author then provides the three basic beliefs of the movement members (Delgado & Stefancic 7).
The author is convincing to the reader through his detailed explanations and examples provided. The author uses specific examples in this chapter to explain the background of the critical race theory movement. This makes the chapter appear credible.
The basic assumption by the author is that racism is still presented in present day life dependent on the context and perceived nature of the racist gesture (Delgado & Stefancic 13). The author suggests that according to critical race theory, racism is normal and embedded in society.
Three critical questions
Is critical race theory optimistic or pessimistic dependent on its assumption?
Between race and class, which is more vital in determining one’s chances in life?
Why do people of color believe there is more racism in the world than white people?
Important terms
Critical race theory: studies and movements involved in transforming the relationships revolving around race, racism, and power (Delgado & Stefancic 1).
Social construction: a thesis that holds that race and races are products of social relations and thought (Delgado & Stefancic 7).
Material determinism: also referred to as interest convergence. It holds that racism supports interests of white elites and working class people. A large part of society has little motivation to eradicate it (Delgado & Stefancic 7).
Works Cited
Richard Delgado, Jean Stefancic. Critical Race Theory: an introduction. New York: NYU Press,
2001.
