Critical Race Theory Project by Sequoia Clark

1. Everyday Racism in the Form of Mascots

sequoiaclark99 — 2025-03-22 20:02:47 UTC

In the world of professional sports, more than a few teams have adopted mascots which are simply racist caricatures of marginalized groups. This especially pertains to Native Americans who must watch as they are satirized, mocked, and flanderized on an international stage with millions of viewers. While in recent years many teams have chosen to rebrand with more socially acceptable mascots, this does not excuse the fact that people of color are constantly subject to this type of unfair treatment.

2. Material Determinism, Interest Convergence, and Social Media

sequoiaclark99 — 2025-03-22 20:15:02 UTC

Popular makeup brand Patrick Ta has long been praised for its shade range inclusivity and wide range of diverse products. In every campaign Ta himself makes sure to highlight women of color and promotes that his brand works for everyone. Unfortunately, this has proven to be a hollow sentiment as many influencers of color have come forward to say that they were taken advantage of the brand and not paid for their work. This became especially notable when it became clear that white creators would still be paid, and also be paid more in situations where everyone received compensation. This situation demonstrates a brand profiting off of the work and image of POC while pocketing the profits and exploiting their labor.

3. Race as a Social Construct

sequoiaclark99 — 2025-03-22 23:47:50 UTC

As actress Anya Taylor-Joy rose in prominence, her race became the subject of discourse. Despite being raised in Argentina by an Argentinian father and half-hispanic mother, Taylor-Joy is not considered to be a person of color, but a white Latina. This has caused discourse and confusion as fans have tried to come to terms with connecting her outward appearance to her heritage and whether she should be considered a person of color. They struggle to put her into a box as her existence and identity do not match the narrative that exists in America pertaining to race.

4. Racialization and the Model Minority

sequoiaclark99 — 2025-03-23 00:06:52 UTC

How are Asians perceived in America? Usually, the stereotype is smart, hardworking, and good at math. It is also a well known "joke" that Asian children only have three real options; engineer, lawyer, or doctor. This is quite different from the stereotyping and racialization seen by other minorities, as it is an unusually positive profiling. In shows and movies you see asian actors playing prodigies or acting as helicopter parents, furthering the idea that asians must be successful. Unfortunately asians are only celebrated for these "good" traits when it fits the current narrative in America. On many occasions asians are ostracized for "eating dogs and cats" and the idea that they are savage and gross is wildly accepted. Whether positive or negative, racialization furthers the idea of out groups and allows people to distance themselves from others they see as unalike.