ABSTRACT
My introduction to critical theory came at the age of seven, when my mother sat me down to instruct me on the ways of white folks. Because I was a Black boy, she explained, some white teachers would assume that I was less intelligent, and would be more likely to find fault in my work and my behavior. I needed to keep my head down and concentrate on my schoolwork, she advised, but I also had to be vigilant, keeping my eyes open for the injustices that I would inevitably endure.
