Letter to the editor: Critical race theory misconception

I commend Jim Harger on his excellent and accurate letter “No debate — fascism spawned by the right” (July 30, TribLIVE) on historical issues.

I wish I could say the same of James Kelm’s letter “NEA’s critical race theory push” (July 30, TribLIVE). Critical race theory is a legal theory taught in some law schools offering courses in constitutional law. It will never be taught in public school systems, nor should it be.

What is being taught there — and objected to — is the updating of American history, of which the New York Times’ 1619 Project is a small part. Beginning in the 1970s historians began including the experiences of those who had been left out of our history: African Americans, Latinos, Native Americans, Asian Americans, workers, gay people and women.

Consider that for over a century, the history of slavery was written and taught without the testimony of the people who were enslaved. This made slavery appear as something benevolent.

Or consider that women, the majority of the population, were generally treated only in footnotes. Change was long overdue.

The purpose of history is not to make us feel good about ourselves, but to instruct. As philosopher George Santayana wrote “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

Robert Supansic

McKeesport