Critical race theory (CRT) is a cross-disciplinary examination of how laws, social and political movements, and media shape, and are shaped by, social conceptions of race and ethnicity. The word "critical" in the name is an academic reference to critical thinking, critical theory, and scholarly criticism, rather than criticising or blaming people.
CRT is a complex and evolving field, but it is generally based on the following core concepts:
Racism is a social construct: CRT scholars argue that racism is not simply the product of individual prejudice, but is also embedded in legal systems and policies. They argue that racism is not simply about individual acts of discrimination, but is also about the ways in which institutions and systems perpetuate racial inequality.
The permanence of racism: CRT scholars argue that racism is not something that can be solved by simply passing laws or changing attitudes. They argue that racism is a permanent feature of Western societies and that it will require ongoing efforts to challenge and dismantle.
Intersectionality: CRT scholars argue that racism intersects with other forms of oppression, such as sexism, classism, and homophobia. They argue that it is important to understand how these different forms of oppression interact with each other, and how they can compound the effects of racism.
The importance of storytelling: CRT scholars argue that storytelling is an important tool for understanding and challenging racism. They argue that stories can help us to see the world from the perspectives of people who have been marginalised, and that they can help us to develop empathy for those who have been oppressed.
CRT has been influential in a variety of fields, including law, education, and social work. It has been used to challenge the ways in which racism is embedded in these fields, and to develop new approaches to addressing racial inequality. CRT has also been the subject of much controversy. Some people argue that CRT is divisive and that it teaches people to see the world in terms of race. Others argue that CRT is essential for understanding and challenging racism, and that it is a valuable tool for social justice. The debate over CRT is likely to continue, but it is clear that CRT is a significant and influential field of scholarship. It has the potential to transform the way we think about race and racism, and it has the potential to make a real difference in the lives of people who have been marginalized.
Critical race theory, particularly in the US, is a highly powerful and contentious idea. It is powerful exactly because it is contentious and it is contentious because it seeks to break down the power structures that ensure those who have power continue to have power. Critical race theory highlights, for many, the very awkward truth that, despite changes to civil rights laws, racism is persistent and prevalent. Critical race theory can be a useful approach for those who are invested in challenging racism as it manifests within design contexts.
Some themes that could be explored using Critical Race Theory are:
How has graphic design contributed to stereotypes of race in specific contexts?
How can graphic design be used as a form of activism and political communication and support the cause for racial equality?
How can we empower graphic designers of colour to use their experiences and their voices within their work?
How can graphic design help to contribute to the empowerment of people of colour and minority communities?