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On most other topics I would agree with you but here I don't. Because one of the problems with critical race theory is that it is not at all rigorous and won't
by anm89 5y ago
On most other topics I would agree with you but here I don't.
Because one of the problems with critical race theory is that it is not at all rigorous and won't ever have one definition or set of concepts that everyone agrees with. So if you try to drill down and critique it, it is incredibly easy to shape shift the arguments and accuse the critiquer of not truly understanding the theory.
Another piece of this is that CTR is packed to the brim with motte and bailey arguments where they'll make one claim and then defend another making any attempt at formal debate a total waste of time.
Not every topic is worth debating on merit. If you tell me the earth is flat I'm not going to spend my time exhaustively critiquing your position which you almost certainly didn't arrive at logically anyway. I'm just going to understand that that viewpoint is indicative of some other underlying pathologies, tells you I disagree and try to distance myself from you.
This is somewhat similar to how I treat CRT
- zug_zug 5y agoI think if you're afraid of people shifting the theory, then you need to pin down what the theory ISN'T and lock that in. Just for example, you might want to lock in some ideas like - Don't teach that racism is only perpetuated by white-people. - Don't teach that people born today are morally/emotionally responsible for the behavior of their ancestors. - Don't teach that skin color is the most defining thing about you - Don't teach that any single trait means you have to see yourself as a victim, you can see yourself however you want to I'm sure if you come up with a reasonable set of these then reasonable people can agree.
- anm89 5y agoYou're missing that my main point is the one about flat earthers. I COULD do that. It's just a negative sume game and I don't want to. Id rather just interact with people who are thinking about more interesting things than debate non rigorous academic virtue signaling with people who have an axe to grind and don't care about what I have to say based on my race. It's literally the exact same scenario as why I'm not going sit around and debate a klan member. They are racists and I'm not bothering with them.