Critical Race Theory (CRT) evaluates culture and society in terms of race and racism. CRT is a theoretical framework that helps in understanding the cultural perceptions of the victims of racism. CRT investigates systematic racism and the reactions of the victim toward racial prejudice in society. CRT also focuses on the existence and maintenance of white supremacy in society and efforts to achieve emancipation in society. Applications of CRT as a critical lens on current media artifacts will help to understand the conventional roles of white supremacy and black people in society. White supremacy is dominating the blacks, who are unable to react against the prevailing inequalities of society. The paper will explore how the current media artifact is repeating the stereotypical roles of races in society.
A CRT scholar “Robin DiAngelo” focused on racial representation in the culture of America. She wrote the book “White Fragility,” in which she argued that many whites in the community brought up and lived comfortable and segregated lives. In normal lives, white people do not allow black people to give feedback on their actions or discuss their personal experiences with them because of the power differences. DiAngelo’s work explores that white fragility is the major cause of upholding white supremacy and dominance in society. The difference is evident in the proposed artifact in which whites are enjoying a comfortable life, but blacks are struggling hard to survive in society. The language, norms, policies, and other artifacts of the country support white supremacy in society at the expense of others (DiAngelo). The analysis of media artifacts affirms and reflects that the black race is the water in which whites are swimming. Moreover, blacks in society are shaping white supremacy.
CRT also discuss “social construction,” which elaborates on race as a product of society and racial difference and is determined by the stereotypical thoughts and relations of the society. Lee discussed the white privilege in society and proclaimed that whites enjoy social, economic, and political benefits due to their race as compared to non-whites (Bell, 158). White privilege involves the role of culture that is dominating the experiences and lives of whites and ignoring the presence of coloured people in society. The critical analysis of the current media artifacts highlights the dominance of white culture over black. Blacks are represented in a fragile position as compared to whites.
Moreover, the artifact showcases Micro-aggression as a negative attitude of the dominant race towards the marginalized group of society. Micro-aggression is unconsciously contributing to the subordination of the marginalized race by the dominant culture of the society. In the current artifact, the whites are racializing the blacks, who are shown in a subordinate position. Moreover, institutionalized racism is also shown in the media artifact, and blacks are in a position where they are deprived of every opportunity in life. Delgado proclaimed that the individual’s beliefs and identity should not be determined by religion, sexuality, nationality, or race in any society. Therefore, dominant culture and society should not impose identities and memberships on individuals (DiAngelo).
In conclusion, Institutionalized racism and white privilege play major roles in maintaining the subordinate position of non-whites in the United States. CRT analysis of the current media artifact represents white supremacy in a society where the dominant culture is marginalizing the black race in the community.
Work Cited
DiAngelo, Robin. White Fragility: Why it’s so hard for white people to talk about racism. Beacon Press, 2018.
Bell, Lee Anne, Barbara J. Love, and Rosemarie A. Roberts. “Racism and white privilege curriculum design.” Teaching for diversity and social justice. Routledge, 2007. 147-168.
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