Part II: Critical Thought About Critical Race Theory
Let's now take a closer look at how the Left and the Right diagnose the problem of oppression in light of their understanding of the system from which it erupts.
The Left sees oppression as the result of a power struggle between two or more groups, so the labeling of each of the groups is a necessary and important first step. After the groups are identified, the next step is to assign the label "oppressor" to the group that has the power, and the label "oppressed" to the group without power. The diagnosis is that the group in power used unfair practices, position, or status to wield its power over the weaker group, thus taking advantage of it. The oppressor is always wrong, and the oppressed is always right.
The Right sees oppression as a result of individual sin and self-centeredness, either by intentional acts to do harm or by unintentional acts of disinterest in the plight of others. The diagnosis is that the individuals who are causing the oppression have a serious heart condition--they lack the love and compassion for their neighbors that God demonstrated to and expects from them.
