The tendency to quickly distinguish “in-groups” and “out-groups” not only breeds prejudice but also creates a significant blind spot in our understanding of others. Critical Race Theory shows the importance of perspective by explaining that dominant narratives discredit and discourage the stories of marginalized, oppressed groups [13]. Throughout history, minoritized groups have suffered mistreatment, deviant labeling, and most importantly, silencing.

 

How can we even begin to understand the experiences of marginalized groups

when their stories have been so suppressed throughout history?

 

In rare cases, we can examine patterns of minority cultural experiences through political movements. For example, the Civil Rights Movement flourished through the sharing of songs and stories that conveyed the struggles of the oppressed. Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized words and non-violent actions as agents of change, further speaking to the power of personal narratives as communication tools, particularly for people of color.