Andrea Dietrich Poet Blank verse

Critical Race Theory

I know so little of this theory, so
I go to Wikipedia. No help!
I'm reading how it stems from Marxism, and 
the struggle of the classes throughout time.
So next I search for tenents of this theory.
In doing so, I'm finding things like this:
how White Supremacy will always reign,
so students need to learn of "action" civics
instead of civics taught traditionally.

I look up "active civics" and find words
like "civil protest" (also "violence").
I find opposing views of it which state
that in the schools today they're teaching hate!
I see some parents now sometimes on Facebook
dismayed that basic civics is ignored.
Our processes called constitutional 
are being put behind this "action civics."
 
I think about the violence I've been seeing
and of old monuments that are torn down;
police, so sorely needed, now defunded;
the silliness getting rid of slogans
deemed racial slurs; the censorship of books
like certain ones by author Dr. Seuss!
I know the process of the Constitution
has not been too great; rights were slowly won.
The problem -as I see it - was the fact
of individual prejudices.

Eventually, after freedom's decades
(the fight for Civil Rights 50's through 60's)
and since our culture then became accepting
of gays, we saw laws made to turn the tide!
I think I must agree with parents who
have great concern about curriculum.
I know discrimination still exists,
but we have seen great strides since Rosa Parks.
I do not like where I can see us heading.
I'm reading quotes of blacks who feel the same.
Today are many interracial couples.
In thirty years from now, we'll all be brown!! 
Let cultural awareness take the helm.
Teach love -not hate - and leave our kids alone.

July 18, 2021 
for Anthony Biaanco's Critical Race Theory Poetry Contest

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Robert Warlov July 30, 2021 at 3:25 PM Extremists on 'The Right' ~ "Taxes are theft"; and on 'The Left' ~ "Capitalism is doomed", but True Revolutions and Revolutionaries are always motivated by Love which is the antithesis of violence. As to "Race" - there is but one and only Love's character affords that clarity of vision.

Jennifer Proxenos July 24, 2021 at 12:40 AM Life and living must change and so will children learn to accept what and who is around them from an early age - parenting must be discerning. We must learn to relax and accept how we want our lives to be and that is only through kindness to every human being on earth irrespective of his colour, creed or nation. I attended a multiracial school in Zambia, and two of my very best friends were not white, I am colour blind in actual fact - I think your poem is exquisite Andrea, congratulations! JPx

Rama Balasubramanian July 22, 2021 at 6:57 AM Congratulations

Christuraj Alex July 21, 2021 at 11:19 PM Coming back to congratulate you. Congratulations!

John Loving Iii July 19, 2021 at 2:59 PM God say's I build up and tear down. Plant and up root. Remember when Rome ruled England. Or the poem about Xanidu. White priviledge can be seen only if YOU take notice. When some one ignores the rules of conviction. But..... See what I mean?

Paulette Calasibetta July 19, 2021 at 11:32 AM Amen! You could not have explained the tragic climate of our country any better! My hope is that the rest of America will wake up! Take Care, Paulette Andrea Dietrich July 19, 2021 at 11:04 PM if only, Paulette. If only.

Harry Horsman July 19, 2021 at 7:56 AM We live in a difference world today, and your poetry goes a long way in telling the reader just that. Love it Andrea.

Kim Rodrigues July 19, 2021 at 6:46 AM The main thing is to teach love not hate.

Regina Mcintosh July 19, 2021 at 2:54 AM I didn't write anything nearly so brilliant. I love this - you've spoken wisely and warmly. God bless you always, Love, Gina

Christuraj Alex July 18, 2021 at 11:36 PM This is one of your longer poems. I think you have decided to write long as the matter is of a serious kind. Let cultural awareness take the helm. Indeed, a great meditation point. Wish you all the best.

Victor Buhagiar July 18, 2021 at 11:05 PM I wonder what made you write about lunatics who want other people's money in their pocket. I was in communist Albania once. We were well-fed, but the people in the streets were haggard and hungry. Anyway, your poem is fine and deserves high placing. Hugs

Rama Balasubramanian July 18, 2021 at 9:38 PM Outstanding, last line superb! All the best for contest

Judy Ball July 18, 2021 at 7:11 PM When I was very young we were taught the basics of the three R's not hate. We were taught about different countries and the way they lived and their cultures and told it was so nice. We were taught to be nice to each other. Race was never mentioned. WHAT HAPPENED TO US!?! A fine write my friend. God Bless, JB

John Lawless July 18, 2021 at 6:58 PM "and leave our kids alone"....But Andrea don't you realize it is all being done "for the children"....Nicely written and thought out Andrea Dietrich July 19, 2021 at 7:58 AM but it is not being done "RIGHT" That is my point, John. They are teaching hate. They need to get back to the basics. The kids were learning to get along. Now things are getting strange. It's hard to pinpoint, but I feel socialism is taking over. It looks good "on the surface," but it will bring bad things with it.