David Bernstein | 4.2.2024 9:08 AM

A new academic study by Brianna Richmond, et al., purports to show that opposition to Critical Race Theory is correlated with ignorance of CRT. The quiz the authors use, however, to determine the level of knowledge of CRT is quite problematic. CRT, being a body of academic work, does not have a singular position on various issues, making any such "quiz" difficult. But with that said, the quiz is structured so that the answers reflect how many CRT advocates would like CRT to be seen for PR purposes, rather than a reasonable interpretation of what CRT often stands for. Let's go through the questions:

1. Which of the following is suggested by Critical Race Theory?
White Americans are naturally racist [lure]
Racism is an individual problem
People should be judged by their skin color
Certain laws in America have played a role in perpetuating racial inequality [correct]

In their paper, the authors describe the lure as white people are born racist, but that's not necessarily what "naturally" means. It could mean, for example, whites grow up in a racist society, so, *naturally*, i.e., the natural/expected consequences is, that they are racist, which is in fact what CRT often teaches. As for the third choice, do some Critical Race Theorists argue that in some circumstances different standards should apply to whites than to BIPOC or People of Color? Yes. So that answer is correct as well. As for the official correct answer, belief that laws in America have played a role in perpetuating racial inequality is not at all specific to CRT, to say the least.

2. What group is credited with creating Critical Race Theory (CRT)?
Academic scholars [correct]
Political radicals [lure]
The media (i.e. newspapers)
Elementary school teachers

I can't think of any of the founders of Critical Race Theory who wouldn't qualify as political radicals. Indeed, CRT is a self-consciously radical movement, not........

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