There is always another one. This time it is Christopher Rufo. His mission is to convoluted Critical Race Theory with the telling of history. When I write a piece my objective is to give you or any other reader a reason to think and to see what is happening around us.
People like Christopher Rufo count on your not thinking and paying attention. Their currency is virulent tribalism that reinforces the belief that white people are under siege because everyone else just wants to breathe the same air. Walk the same streets and have the same opportunity to live without being a preconceived stereotype.
The idea of Critical Race Theory is frightening for some because it as the potential for dealing with some of the United States real history. It may finally offer an explanation for why a hundred and fifty six years after the Civil War ended this nation still struggles with the concept of equality. The mission of Christopher Rufo and the people who support him is to confuse the issue and make Critical Race Theory the boogeyman.
Over the last few weeks I’ve seen Rufo on multiple talking head shows. On each and everyone he presents a central assertion. That assertion is that Critial Race Theory is being taught to children in k-12 schools. That is patently untrue. The other branch of his assertion is that exposing children to books like “Not My Idea” are part of a master plan to make white children hate their own Race. That too is patently untrue.
If you’re not familiar with the book “Not My Idea” allow me to share a few basic facts with you. The author is Anastasia Higgonbotham. The booke was released in June of 2020. Higgonbotham is an author who has written a series of children’s books. She is a proponent of social justice. Anastasia is “White”. The book under attack, “Not My Idea” is a book about whitness. The fact that it is about whitness is why Rufo wants to tie it with Critical Race Theory. From cover to cover the book is 64 pages that broaches a complex subject from a child’s perspective. No where in the book after reading it numerous times have I come across an image or a phrase that promotes white self hate.
What I have come across are things that do something we don’t ask children to do enough. I have come across things that make them think. Imagine Christopher Rufo portraying the book in its true light. Imagine him saying to his constituency that the horror of the book is that it will make white children think, and horror of horrors ask critical questions.
The alt-right fully intends to make Critical Race Theory the hill upon which they plant their flag. Do not be deceived. This isn’t about Critical Race Theory attempting to rewrite history. It’s about not wanting all of the United States History to be addressed. What each of us who truly love this country must do is open our minds, ask the uncomfortable questions. Not demonize a Children’s picture book, but grow.
Think!!
Eyes Wide 👀 Open!!!
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