EXPLAINER: How to Spot Critical Race Theory in the Wild — And Why It Still Matters

What Is Critical Race Theory, Really? Critical Race Theory—or CRT—originated in American law schools in the 1970s and '80s. It was never meant for the general public. But since then, its ideas have spilled over into education, media, business, and politics. The basic claim? That racism isn't just about individual prejudice. CRT says racism is baked into the systems and structures of American society. Schools. Courts. Housing. Jobs. Healthcare. Everything. CRT doesn’t just challenge racism. It redefines how we understand truth, power, and even knowledge itself. It’s not about fixing problems—it’s about tearing down the foundations of Western society. Let’s look at the building blocks of CRT. Racial Subordination: Everything Is About Power The first core idea of CRT is…