"Since the publication of the first edition of [this book], the United States has lived through two economic downturns, an outbreak of terrorism, and the onset of an epidemic of hate directed against immigrants, especially undocumented Latinos and Middle Eastern people. On a more hopeful note, the country elected and re-elected its first black president and has witnessed the impressive advance of gay rights. As a field, critical race theory has taken note of all these developments, and this primer does so as well. It not only covers a range of emerging new topics and events, it also addresses the rise of a fierce wave of criticism from right-wing websites, think tanks, and foundations, some of which insist that America is now colorblind and has little use for racial analysis and study."-- Provided by publisher.

Introduction -- Hallmark critical race theory themes -- Legal storytelling and narrative analysis -- Looking inward -- Power and the shape of knowledge -- Critiques and responses to criticism -- Critical race theory today -- Conclusion.