This book is most likely going to be my favorite one out of the three for the class, but it is still early. I am interested in Critical Theory and the different avenues of research. Over the first few chapters, the development of “Critically Conscious Research” stems from the growth of Marxism in the Western hemisphere to Race studies in America to Feminism and the implementation of these theories into educational practices.
Firstly, Marxism focuses on the individual within the society. “They suggested that it is important that the world not “ignore the individuals and the world conditions which are the source o these ideas” (pg 16). This quote illustrates the theory’s perspective of how society is the main influence on individual ideologies. Supporters of this theory connected external influences to pathways of power such as politics, economical, and social status. This in turn was related to the notion that those in power created the “culturally” accepted norms or ideologies. However, Marxism did not take into consideration racial identities. These notions gave way to Critical Theory.
After Marxism, different theories emerged in which some expanded and alternative notions came into light. Gramsci argued that the source of power came from the centers of intellect and education. The places of learning instill ideas that are cultivated by those in power thus widening the range of society to accept the same ideologies. This is where Gramsci found society’s source of struggle, ideologies. He argued that society can overturn commonly accepted ideas by working with the populations whom were not in power and in extension oppressed.
Another viewpoint of the oppressed began to surface at this time. Frantz Fanon, a multiracial individual, studied Marxist theorist decided to give his scholarship in order to “… humanize Black consciousness…” (pg 21). What is interesting to me (I would pick this out because I co-founded the first multiracial/biracial student organization on campus and I love learning about this) is that Fanon is multiracial [“African, Tamil, White/French” (pg 21)] but yet he is identifying as only black. Even the caption in the book emphasizes one side of the color spectrum by depicting “Frantz Fanon: A Black Response to Critical Theorizing” (pg 21). I understand that it may be in relation to the reaction of his audience or to how Fanon self reflected, but that shows how influential culturally identifying oneself can affect others. Also I thought it was interesting that the authors wrote about the reaction to Fanon’s work in that it was debatable because it did not take into consideration “Black women and non-blacks”. There is barely equality today, hence Critical Theory and the different avenues that are still being implemented and expanded upon. I feel like his critics may have wanted to invalidate his work because there are many examples that do not include the entire human race.
These theories paved the way for Racial and Feminist Studies as well as the implementation of Critical Racial Theory pedagogy.
I also wonder if Fanon's identification as Black despite being biracial was strictly self imposed or if it was forced on him by others. I have a friend who is African American, Native American, and White, and he has always seen himself as Black because he says that is the way others see him despite his lighter skin tone and Native American facial features. And I agree that Fanon's writings are still valid and important despite not including "Black women and non-blacks" and must point out that the book says that Kant, Hegel, and Marx did not necessarily include women and minorities and yet they are still considered to be the founders of critical theory. I would say that Fanon's biracial background and self identification as Black give him an interesting perspective from which to investigate race and therefore his ideas and findings are relevant. Unfortunately there still is a lot of racism and sexism in the world, but hopefully researchers like ourselves can help to break down the barriers of prejudice by finding ways to increase the critical consciousness of others. And good job starting the student organization! I love to see young people stand up for equality and acceptance, it gives me hope for the future.
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