Tanya Katerí Hernández - Critical Race Theory

Archibald Armory, a law professor, discusses critical race theory (CRT), which emerged in the 1970s and 1980s as a response to the limitations of civil rights laws. CRT examines how legal systems perpetuate racial hierarchies despite formal equality. Using the 1921 Tulsa massacre as a case study, Armory illustrates how the legal system facilitated racial violence and failed to hold perpetrators accountable. CRT challenges the notion of isolated racial incidents, highlighting systemic issues that hinder true equality.

What was the primary reason for the emergence of critical race theory in the 1970s and 1980s?

• To celebrate the success of the Voting Rights Act

• To support the achievements of the civil rights movement

• To address the limitations of legal reforms in achieving true equality

• To promote formal segregation

How does critical race theory view the 1921 Tulsa massacre?

• As an isolated incident of racial violence

• As a historical event with no legal implications

• As a successful intervention by law enforcement

• As an example of how legal systems can facilitate racial injustices

What does critical race theory suggest about the role of legal systems in racial injustices?

• They only address individual acts of racism

• They are always neutral and fair

• They can sometimes perpetuate racial hierarchies

• They have no impact on racial issues

According to critical race theory, what is a common misconception about racial injustices?

• They are isolated incidents caused by bad individuals

• They are easily resolved through legal reforms

• They are caused by systemic and structural factors

• They are always intentional and malicious

What is the ultimate goal of critical race theory in analyzing societal structures?

• To focus solely on individual behavior

• To achieve formal equality

• To maintain the status quo

• To uncover and address systemic inequalities