Nonfiction: Caste by Isabel Wilkerson

The decision to read Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson was both an easy and a hard one, if that makes sense. From its description, I knew it was a book that I should read...possibly a book that everyone should read. But I also knew it would be a difficult, and often upsetting journey. 

Genre, Themes, History: This is a nonfiction book that specifically explores America's history and its consequences by relating it to the idea of a caste: a system of dividing society into hereditary classes. At the mention of the word 'caste,' most people think of the caste system of India, which of course Wilkerson mentions. She also brings up the caste system put into place by Nazi Germany and that characterized Hitler's rise to power. The caste systems of India and Germany are easy for most Americans to point to and recognize, but Wilkerson is making the point that what Americans do no seem to realize is that this country is also built on a caste system that has slavery as its foundation. Yes, racism is a big part of it, but it is not quite all of it. The caste system in American is what allows those in the dominant caste to believe (either consciously or subconsciously) that they are inherently better that the lower caste and that they deserve their place on top. And when that advantage is threatened, tensions arise, as well as disillusionment and even despair. Through personal stories, as well as thorough research, Wilkerson presents her idea, giving a different look at a history we all think we have already learned.

My Verdict: Well, I was correct in my thinking that this book was going to be both difficult and upsetting. However, even more than that, it was interesting, even fascinating, and I learned a great deal more than I expected. I will admit that around 3/4 of the way in, I experienced a sharp sense of despair, partially over our country's history, as well as its present as it seems we are currently in a state of regression (though that may be my own faulty perception as opposed to how things actually are). But thankfully, Wilkerson aimed to have her book offer hope, as well as teach and instruct. Of course, with that hope comes the acknowledgement of the long hard road ahead. Effectively presenting America as a caste system was impressive enough, but Wilkerson managed to go even further and deeper, thoroughly explaining what that means, its effects, and what will have to be done to change it. I cannot think of anyone who would not benefit from reading this book.

Favorite Quotes: "Caste is the granting or withholding of respect, status, honor, attention, privileges, resources, benefit of the doubt, and human kindness to someone on the basis of their perceived rank or standing in the hierarchy. Caste pushes back against an African-American woman who, without humor or apology, takes a seat at the head of the table speaking Russian. It prefers an Asian-American man to put his technological expertise at the service of the company but not to aspire to CEO. Yet it sees as logical a sixteen-year-old white teenager serving as store manager over employees from the subordinate caste three times his age."

"If the lower-caste person manages actually to rise above an upper-caste person, the natural human response from someone weaned on their caste's inherent superiority is to perceive a threat to their existence...Who are you if there is no one to be better than?"

Recommended Reading: I recommend Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates.