Critical Race Theory is too narrow: 'We are all children of oppressors'
While some want to present a biased and incomplete view of the history of America as an essentially flawed enterprise because of its colonial past, a more complete study reveals something different. Without argument as to past wrongs, pre-contact and post-contact history between the Europeans and primary peoples is more complex than the simplistic, divisive and myopic view of CRT, or Critical Race Theory. Perhaps the introduction of CVH — a more complete view of history — is in order.
As we look beyond and closer at the snippet of time CRT wants to distort, a truly critical study of history shows territorial usurpation, and the inevitable wars and depredations that accompany it, is a human problem not unique to one race over another. But, again, while wrongs cannot be justified, as they are recognized, along with the fact every nation has committed them, each nation also contributes a rich plethora of cultural sophistication, as has America. That past should be lauded along with the rich cultural past of the people of Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia and our own primary people, to name a few. All people have a rich history to tell and preserve, along with wrongs to recognize.
As to territorial usurpation in the Americas, we are familiar with the depredations of the colonial powers, but likewise, of pre-contact people, a few (of many) examples show: In their quest for territory in the Caribbean, the Caribs wiped out the Tainos, island to island. In South Florida, the Calusa, as fierce warriors, supplanted earlier estuarial cultures and exercised control over others nearby. In the west, the Comanche eliminated anyone getting in their way of their own territorial expansion. In Mesoamerica, the conquistadors defeated the Aztecs only with the help of the Tlaxcalans, who the Aztecs were enslaving and sacrificing in prodigious numbers. Similarly, in the northeast, the Wampanoag allied themselves with the Pilgrims, intending to defeat their arch enemy, the Narragansett — and this wasn’t unusual, tribes joining colonists against traditional foes. Then when conflict did occur between colonists and Indians, as both sides committed atrocities, the Indians committed tortures long practiced before contact — as was slavery. As to the status of indigenous women? Unfortunately, like with other cultures throughout history, theirs was a life of virtual servitude. The point? No one has a monopoly on cultural sophistication or cruel depredations. We are all children of oppressors.
Finally, while wrongs in America were committed by all, before and after contact, I submit colonialism, outside its sins, brought with it two important things. First, the social organization and seeds of technology that gave rise to the industrial revolution producing the material comforts we enjoy today. Second, the Christian ethos that inspired the abolitionists to bring an end to slavery and the likes of Anthony, Stanton and MLK to make happen the equal rights and financial opportunities so widely enjoyed today.
Patrick Scott Smith, is a history writer, entrepreneur, and inventor from Nixa.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Critical Race Theory too narrow: 'We are all children of oppressors'
