Letter to the Editor: Why We Should Teach Critical Race Theory

There has been so very much made of the fear of teaching Critical Race Theory (CRT) of late in this country. CRT is the history of slavery and racism that were once endemic in our country. Slavery may be eliminated, but certainly not racism.

This all began more than 200 years before the Nazis murdered more than 6 million Jewish people and other minorities. We know that tragedy and insist that it never be forgotten or forgiven.

The German people have taken it to their hearts and have educated their children about what happened in their past. An entire generation has been educated about these enormous past transgressions. Germany today sets an example for the world, and its education system is dedicated to never allowing such a thing to happen again.

What of us? Do we shun and turn away from the horrid and destructive past we allowed to continue in this country? Not only slavery, but the accompanying racism, the annihilation of nations of Indigenous people, redlining, segregation, police brutality? This list goes on and is long.

Why do we – the supposed free-and-equal banner to the world – avoid the truth in our own history? How is it possible to hold our heads up and call this a nation of exceptionalism if much of what is exceptional is a history we refuse to acknowledge and own?

What on earth would prevent us strong Americans from facing the difficulties of our past – starting with slavery, continuing to Vietnam and Iraq, deposing the democratically elected Mossadegh of Iran to make way for American and British oil companies to take over the oil fields and installing the Shah of Iran. Add to this the slaughter of thousands in Iraq to abet a lie of weapons of mass destruction.

Let’s begin with CRT and try to dig out the truth so that we might become a more honest and stronger nation that’s forged by the honor of owning our past.

John Wilson

Baileys Harbor, Wisconsin