Flames of (In)Justice A (White) Book-Burning Parable on Anti-Critical Race Theory Legislation

Abstract

Flames of (In)Justice is a parable that speaks to ongoing conservative efforts against Critical Race Theory (CRT) in public education. In the parable, fictitious white suburbanites commence an annual Book Burning Day, where they enflame government-designated “Race Books.” They do so in commemoration of legislation that bans “Race Speech,” defined as all speech that mentions race unless during the federally recognized holiday. Otherwise, lawmakers contend, speech that discusses race is discriminatory and divisive in a post-racial society: it threatens a nation built on ideals of equality, individualism, and colorblindness. In writing the story, I highlight an enduring truth: of a white investment in colorblind racism not so divided by political lines. Indeed, I wrote the story by drawing on my personal experiences growing up white and learning—or not learning—about race in a predominantly white suburb. As such, I recommend that whites engage in counterstory in a way that elucidates whiteness, not obscures it.