Document Type

Working Paper

Publication Date

1-9-2016

SSRN Discipline

Legal Scholarship Network; PRN Subject Matter eJournals; PSN Subject Matter eJournals; Philosophy Research Network; Law School Research Papers - Legal Studies; LSN Subject Matter eJournals; Humanities Network; Political Science Network; Political Behavior eJournals

Abstract

This article analyzes optimism and despair in the writing of a major Critical Race Theory figure Derrick Bell is considered one of the movement's founders and leading writers Yet his work is at times overtly pessimistic "” he believes that American society will never elevate blacks to full equality Yet he encourages his readers to struggle for that goal Are these two elements in his thought irreconcilable No effort and struggle in pursuit of impossible goals is at times fulfilling and satisfying often the only alternative open to a person in a desperate situation

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