Nothing to fear from teaching about race

The word “critical” in “critical race theory” can be interpreted in different ways. Many hear it as criticizing and finding fault. Is this theory just blaming white people for being white? How is that fair? Whom does that help?

In truth, critical race theory is not about demeaning others. It invites application of critical thinking skills to recognizing, analyzing and interpreting the far-reaching impact of race in our lives and relationships. It is a step toward understanding and creating alliances and friendships among people who have lived different lives. It is a step toward creating public policy that does what we intend.

I was sorry to see in Friday’s op-ed letter that Mary E. Beeman and Nick Cusano feel threatened by Guilford’s school district asking adult educators to read Ibram Kendi’s “How to Be an Anti-Racist” and Robin DeAngelo’s “White Fragility.” Speaking as a new retiree who served as teacher and English department chair at Hamden High, I know that Kendi and DiAngelo helped me to understand something about interracial relations and to be confident in speaking as a white teacher to a diverse student body.

My interpretation of Beeman’s and Cusano’s reaction is that they fear blame and losing out. I understand. Like most people, I do not want to lose what I have. Who among us would?

When I read these two books, however, I did not infer that what I have should be stripped away from me. Rather, DiAngelo encourages me to see my privilege and not judge or take advantage of others who have not been equally privileged. Kendi wants me to speak up when my own or others’ fears tempt obstructionism to change and justice.

I believe in democracy so that people who have different lived experiences can speak to what is important for them. I want access to education, good work, home, health care, clean water and air, and justice. I want these things for myself; I want them for all of us. I hear Kendi and DiAngelo asking us all to do what we can to make these things happen. Moira T. Birmingham

Hamden