‘Abbott Elementary’ Won’t Discuss Critical Race Theory, According to Quinta Brunson
ABC‘s latest sitcom, Abbott Elementary, is a hit among audiences worldwide. Fans have taken to its characters, mockumentary style, and humor, and they are eager for more. Thankfully, the network renewed the series for a second season, so they can continue to tell stories and make people laugh for many more episodes. But according to Quinta Brunson, the creator and star of Abbott Elementary, there are some subjects the show will not address.
Quinta Brunson reveals that ‘Abbott Elementary’ won’t touch on critical race theory
While speaking with Insider, Quinta Brunson shared that Abbott Elementary wouldn’t explore critical race theory. Critical race theory, or CRT, is a concept that some schools teach. To summarize, CRT posits that race is a social construct, and it studies the racial biases in many institutions. CRT is a complex theory that many politicians and lawmakers have tried to ban from schools in recent years.
Brunson said, “Look, I’m going to be honest: Critical race theory — that is not what the teachers I know in public schools and inner-city schools … they’re not talking about that s**t.”
The creator added that the debate over whether or not schools should teach CRT is a “suburban” issue.
“The whole argument of it is just stupid,” she concluded. “In the schools with majority Black staff and kids, Black history is taught throughout the year. It’s just a part of the makeup of the schools. If you look at the walls in Abbott, there’s Black history everywhere.”
According to Quinta Brunson, fans shouldn’t expect CRT to appear in Abbott Elementary any time soon. But there are other topics that the creator is looking forward to including in future episodes.
What issues will the series tackle?
Although critical race theory won’t pop up in Abbott Elementary in the near future, Quinta Brunson promises that the show will tackle other important issues.
She told Insider that she was “very interested” in exploring charter schools. Brunson wants the series to discuss how people view charter schools versus public schools. However, she’s not sure how to approach the subject just yet.
“It’s like, why can’t we give public schools more thought?” the creator wondered. “Why do they have to change into a charter school in order to be considered worthy?”
Given the popularity of Abbott Elementary, it seems like Quinta Brunson will be able to explore any issue her heart desires for many years to come.
Quinta Brunson reveals her inspiration for ‘Abbott Elementary’
During her interview with Insider, Quinta Brunson discussed her inspiration for Abbott Elementary. According to the filmmaker, her mother was a teacher at her elementary school. And the two of them carpooled to school with one of the other teachers. Brunson was motivated by the talks her mother and her co-worker would share during their car rides, which gave her the idea for Abbott Elementary.
The creator said, “I saw people who bonded over the shared experience of trying to help children. And I’m not sure that my mom and that teacher would’ve been friends otherwise, you know what I mean? But wanting to take care of kids and to teach bonds people in a very beautiful way.”
Abbott Elementary airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on ABC.
