What's so critical about critical race theory?

Abstract

As a bourgeoning and widely recognized critical-emancipationist program, critical race theory (CRT) retains its commitment to treating the social construction of race as central to the way that people of color are ordered and constrained in society. In advocating for justice for such ‘minority’ populations as Blacks, Latinos, Asians, gays, Indians, and women of color, CRT has in recent years ramified into several area programs including Latino/a critical studies, critical queer studies, critical race feminism, and critical White studies. Despite its important analytical and activist breakthroughs in rooting out racial injustice, we argue that CRT needs to sharpen its critical edge. In order to do so, it must confront and resolve the three problems of (1) the rule of law, (2) theory, and (3) colorism.