Critical Race Theory

Diversity Matters with Oscar Holmes IV

Season 4 Episode 2

Episode Title: Critical Race Theory 

Guest: Dr. Victor Ray

 

Diversity Matters with Oscar Holmes IV is a podcast that explores all things diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) related. In each episode, Oscar and his guests have lively discussions around DEI topics, explore the latest research on the topic, and discuss the implications so that listeners will be more knowledgeable about the topics and be able to apply the insights to their lives.

 

Show Summary: 

“It’s frustrating when people who know nothing about racism in American history misrepresent critical race theory, ban books, and target scholars genuinely reckoning America's racial order.”

 

Although civil rights movements and social justice movements have made significant progress over the years, systemic racism and discrimination continue to plague American society to this day. Critical race theory reveals the underlying causes of racial inequality and the ways in which power, privilege, and oppression can contribute to progress as well as undermine it. 

 

And in this episode, Dr. Victor Ray, a renowned public scholar whose work has been featured in outlets such as the Washington Post, Harvard Business Review, and Boston Review, and author of the book, On Critical Race Theory: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care, shares his expertise on what critical race theory entails, how it is being misrepresented in ongoing debates in education and society, and its impact on the ongoing fight for racial equality in the United States. 

 

3 Exceptional Highlights:

 

• Growing up as a mixed-race individual and witnessing differential treatment between his family members opened Dr. Victor’s eyes to the social construction of race. 

• Organizations are already infused with racial processes, from access to education and legal protection to capital.

• It is crucial to organize as groups and resist those who are waging a war against critical race theory, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

Show Highlights: 

 

What is the history behind Critical Race Theory and how is it being viewed in this time period?

 

02:49  Dr. Victor Ray

 

• Critical race theory was pioneered by scholars such as Derrick Bell, Kimberlé Crenshaw, and Richard Delgado that originated from the backlash of the civil rights movement in the 60s and early 70s. 

• Ideas from this theory spread beyond the law to explain why racial inequality is so deeply entrenched in American society and why progress toward equality is often temporary and fiercely opposed.

 

How Dr. Victor Ray’s personal experience deeply shaped his research and pivotal moments in his understanding of race 

 

09:15 Dr. Victor Ray

 

• My experiences differed greatly from my dad and brother growing up, who would get stopped by cops or called on security.

• However, as a professor in a predominantly white space, folks would attempt to bond with me through racist jokes or assumptions about black people.

 

Can you explain the concept of whiteness as a property?

 

15:00 Dr. Victor Ray

 

• Whiteness as a credential allows white people to move into and up organizations in a way that often appears neutral but is deeply shaped by their racial identity.

 

How do we grapple with the rise of authoritarianism, fascism, and racism as a society?

 

19:05 Dr. Victor Ray

 

• The rise of authoritarianism, fascism, and racism can be countered by organizing ourselves to regain control of school boards, legislatures, and voting.

 

How do you view folks attempting to delegitimize the term ‘woke’ in relation to critical race theory?

 

24:15 Dr. Victor Ray

 

• Wokeness is a term that originated in the black vernacular to describe awareness of social inequalities in the United States.

• Criticizing the concept of "woke" is similar to criticizing equal opportunity.

 

Will we ever get to a point where we can make our own racial progress without having to suffer backlash?

 

27:22 Dr. Victor Ray

 

• Many believe that the fight against racial inequality has an endpoint, but history doesn’t work that way.

• Ongoing collective action and scholarship are needed to come up with real lasting solutions.

 

Important Links:

 

Dr. Victor Ray

On Critical Race Theory: Why It Matters and Why You Should Care 

 

Episode Sponsor Links: 

WH Consulting Firm

Producer Links:

WH Consulting Firm

Diversity Matters Podcast Section

Pod Kai Media

 

Host Social Media Links:

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