Pressian (South Korea): Prof. Copeland Explains How Schools Became a Political Battleground
In an interview with the South Korean news outlet, “Pressian,” BUSSW Professor Phillipe Copeland provided insight into how anti-Critical Race Theory (CRT) is part of a long history of racism in American politics.
Excerpt from, “How the ‘New Boogie Man’ of Racism Is Shaking Up US politics” by Hong Ki-hye Jeon, originally published in Pressian:
‘The effort to ban CRT education is part of a political project that maintains a racial oligarchy that particularly reflects conservative ideologies,’ said Phillip Copeland, a professor at Boston University School of Social Work, in an interview with Pressian. ‘Other strategies of the project include voter suppression, partisan gerrymandering, criminalization of protests, efforts to silence academics, educators, journalists and activists, and political violence such as the January 6th capitol attack. These strategies are a joint effort to undermine democracy and freedom, and ultimately have the effect of concentrating wealth among the few at the expense of the many.’”
In addition, anti-CRT movements resulting in the recall of Ohio school board members are indicative of how far racism will go to keep the status quo of white supremacy alive. However, these efforts also reveal a pattern amongst racist politics and policies. Prof. Copeland discussed why schools–specifically in their teaching CRT–have become yet another avenue for white supremacy to assert dominance in America for political and economic reasons.
Excerpt from “Schools in the U.S. Became a Battleground for the ‘Cultural War’” by Hong Ki-hye Jeon, originally published in Pressian:
Boston University School of Social work Professor Phillipe Copeland said in a written interview with Pressian that the movement against CRT education ‘can be viewed as an expression of racial capitalism and racial oligarchy.’
“‘Racial capitalism refers to the use of racism for economic and social benefits, and racial oligarchy is a politics in which a few people monopolize and exercise social power based on the wealth and hierarchical racial order thus acquired. The anger expressed by some white parents is being produced and supported by some political elites who manipulate white reactions for political and ultimately economic gain. It brings support for politics and policies that seek to maintain racism and classism in the United States.’”