Critical Race Theory Controversy in the Lens of Simon Weil and Mary Wollstonecraft

The Problem with National Education: A Comparative Analysis of Simone Weil and Mary Wollstonecraft’s Perceptions
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Critical Race Theory Controversy in the Lens of Simon Weil and Mary Wollstonecraft
Today, over 29 states in the USA have introduced bills or measures that seek to restrict the teaching of critical race theory or limit the extent to which teachers can discuss racism and sexism. Critical Race Theory (CRT) is an academic framework developed in the 1970s and 80s by legal scholars who posit that racism is not just a product of individual bias but is embedded in legal policies and systems. Proponents of bills against CRT have argued that the way issues of race, gender, and identity are taught today lead to divisions among students. On the other hand, opponents argue that such legislation will stifle discussions on how sexism and racism have shaped the political, economic, and social systems. Because of this contentious public discourse, the current paper will contribute by borrowing from Simon Weil and Mary Wollstonecraft and determining how the authors framed the current issue based on how they perceive(d) education.
The Purpose of Education and The Scope of Critical Race Theory
Education is among the core pillars of human development. The purpose of education is to develop individuals' developmental and physical health through the acquisition of skills, abilities, and knowledge key for personal and societal development. The most developed nations are also the most educated populations highlighting the importance of education. However, what is taught in an education system can be controversial, as shown by the discussions over CRT in the United States today. Most importantly, what students learn through the education system is supposed to aid in understanding complex issues in society and how to navigate them, either as an individual or a community, as part of human development.
CRT intends to highlight some of these complex problems: that the issues of racism and sexism go beyond the individual and is part of public policies and legislation and, therefore, continue to fuel inequality in the country. In other words, the current problems in the United States are closely tied to history, and it is only through education that new generations can know where the problems started. Introducing the ideas of Weil's Uprootedness and Wollstonecraft’s On National Education, the paper will establish whether CRT should be eliminated or retained in the American education system.
Argument for Critical Race Theory
According to Weil (1943), to be rooted is the most important yet least discussed need of the human soul. Every human has roots under their real, active, and natural participation in the progress of a community. Roots form the basis of culture and identity, two core elements that shape life outcomes in any society. Separating a person from their roots creates a continuous cycle of uprootedness which forms the basis of today's social problems. War has been the most critical force behind people's uprooting, and people who have been uprooted tend to uproot others. Colonialism, slavery, and modern war affai...