Caste Book Discussion for September 23

For the Caste book discussion this week, on September 23 at 4:30 (back to a later time—join us for part or all of the time scheduled – don’t worry if you have to come late or leave early) we will be discussing

Caste Part Six: Backlash.

Even if you have not joined us for prior discussions or haven’t read the book, please join us for these very thought-provoking conversations.

Please let Patty Marbury know if you have any questions, and as always, invite your friends and colleagues to participate in our discussions.  Need the Zoom link?

Following are some questions to consider as you read and review the content (after the jump)

 

Chapter 25:  A Change in the Script

 

1. What does Wilkerson refer to as “the greatest departure from the script of the American caste system” and how has the system responded to that change?

Chapter 26:  Turning Point and the Resurgence of Caste

2. Wilkerson writes (page 324) “Caste does not explain everything in American life, but no aspect of American life can be fully understood with considering caste and embedded hierarchy.” Consider this statement with regard to politics, economics, social status, etc.
3. It is a widely held convention that working-class white Americans may often “act against their own interests” by opposing policies designed to help the working class. Discuss how the logic of caste disproves this concept and redefines that same choice from the perspective of maintaining group dominance. (Pages 324-331)

Chapter 27:  The Symbols of Caste

4. Germans are ashamed of their Nazi history in a way Americans are not ashamed of slavery. Why do you think Germany was able to humanize their victims and develop laws to enforce “never again” while America still has statues of Lee and confederate flags?
5. Did learning about the lens and language of caste change the way you look at U.S. history and society? How?

Chapter 28:  Democracy on the Ballot

6. Discuss the quote in the exchange Wilkerson recounts between herself and her friend, Taylor Branch (historian of the civil rights movement) where he asked “If people were given the choice between democracy and whiteness, how many would choose whiteness.”

Chapter 29:  The Price we Pay for a Caste System

7. At this point in the book, we understand that the Caste system is not only harmful to those in the subordinate group, but to all. How has this played out in America? Do any of the examples Wilkerson shares (pages 354-356) surprise you?
8. How has the pandemic shifted how you feel about the American caste system? What was unseen for you that is now seen?