Communities across the country are debating how, or even whether, to teach about race in American history in our public schools. Opposition to age-appropriate education focusing on the role of race in American life often emphasizes the "divisiveness" of such subjects. Advocates of such a view are right — but not for the reasons they might think.
Teaching critical perspectives on the role of race in American life is divisive because it shines light on "habits of history" that white Americans have developed over time to avoid discomfort, or to maintain what James Baldwin called white innocence. These habits show themselves in many ways, including contemporary legal and legislative activity that have made it more difficult — again — for Black Americans to exercise their right to vote.
