Race And Racism And Derrick Bell's Critical Race Theory

Superior Essays
Introduction
We live in a society where race is often seen as a vital part of an individual’s identity and it’s an important factor which prevents people from developing their own personality and initiative. Racism is extremely ingrained in our society - race, gender and social class are important issues that Critical Race Theory (CRT) discusses. These issues are brought forth through theoretical and interpretive modes which examines the appearance of race and racism across dominant cultural modes of expression in society. CRT, examines the scope of racism and how this is ingrained in both the legal, cultural and psychological aspects of an individual’s life. This essay provides one with an opportunity to explore this theory and its influence
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Derrick Bell, an African-American professor of law, at Harvard Law School and Alan Freeman laid the foundation what would be called, Critical Race Theory. Derrick Bell, a legal scholar, believed that racisms in the United States was persistent and sought to expose it though books, articles (NY Times). He ultimately transformed our understanding of the relationship between race, racism and official power. Bell, contributed to a ground-breaking analysis of conflict of interest in regard to civil rights litigations and the role of the white elite and their self-interest. Bell questioned “the basic assumptions of the law’s treatment in regards to people of colour, he also asked questions about the role of law in the construction and maintenance of social domination and subordination (Critical Race Theory). He developed and taught a legal doctrine from a race-conscious viewpoint. Bell’s core beliefs included ‘the interest convergence dilemma’ which is the idea that whites would not support efforts to improve the position of blacks unless it was in their interest (Critical Race Theory) In addition, Bell brought the notion of colour-blindness in regard to the

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