African American theory begins with calling out the fallacy that everyone starts on a level playing field. There are confinements on what one can do based on their physical appearance. Many texts default to the “Eurocentric norm” or the assumption that a European (or white person) is “superior.” The social system in America perpetuates the disadvantage of people of color. The critics look to address every day racism, race as a social construct, intersectionality, voice of color, and racism as a form of differential racialization.

Questions: What can the work teach us about African heritage or African American culture and experience? What are the racial politics of the work? Does it correct or reinforce stereotypes? Historical information? Does it celebrate African American ways of experience or reinforce racist ideologies? What are the poetics of the work?