Critical race theory and the search for truth

Update: 2024-09-24

Description

Critical race theory has been problematised and demonised over the years but it has great potential for societal change.

In this episode, Richard Kemp speaks with Rodney D. Coates, author of 'Critical Race Theory and the Search for Truth', about what critical race theory is and why it has found itself in the crosshairs of white nationalists.

They discuss the truths we often don't hear about the transatlantic slave trade, the discrepancy that was created between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, and why we need new dreamers to affect systemic change.

Rodney D. Coates is Professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at Miami University. He is a public sociologist engaged in critical race, social justice, social movements, social policy, and practice.

Find out more about the book at: https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/critical-race-theory-and-the-search-for-truth

The full transcript of the podcast is available here:

Timestamps:

1:04 - What is critical race theory, and why has it ended up in the crosshairs of white nationalists?

6:45 - How did European nations explain away the transatlantic slave trade and was there a last effect?

13:25 - Were European nations doing slavery differently than we'd seen before?

24:04 - What happened to cause the discrepancy between Haiti and the Dominican Republic?

30:20 - What racist systems of injustice met people who were part of the Great Migration in the US?

34:53 - What's behind the attack on education with regards to critical race theory and what are their goals?

39:43 - Who benefits from stopping education on critical race theory?

44:57 - How dangerous is the angry black woman trope in society?

51:08 - How can new dreams, and new dreamers, translate to systemic change?