One quintessential theory related to the concepts of diversity and racism in social settings is the critical race approach. The term refers to an American-based notion that eventually spread worldwide. Critical race theory evolved through paradigm shifts in the interpretation of social standards and systemic disadvantages experienced by minorities. Moreover, the approach grew more popular with time as its ideas became less controversial to the general public.
Evidently, it initially served as a reaction to a social issue, primarily systematic racism and the civil rights movement. The controversial aspect of the approach constituted questioning a previously normalized social structure in which the African-American population was not guaranteed fundamental human rights. In that way, the critical considerations critique and challenge the social standing of a marginalized group in the United States.
The idea of the theory serving as a reaction to a significant change demonstrates the social mirroring of the critical approach. Hence, the progressive development of the term reflects the gradual increase of awareness from the American population regarding the discrimination and racism experienced by African-Americans daily. For example, the works of American poets during and following the civil rights movement were aimed at the liberal readers who tried to overcome the normalized system of viewing society at the time.
A prime example of a text that works well with this critical approach is a poem by Maya Angelou titled Still I Rise. The work illustrates one’s battle with the common discriminatory and racist obstacles of 20th-century America. The critical theory can be applied to this poem as it allows comparing the hardships experienced by an African-American woman and a more privileged white person of the same citizenship. Through the lenses of the approach, it becomes evident that the life complications described were undeniably caused by systemic racism across the nation.