Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson is a book detailing how the caste system in the USA controls people throughout history. The author argues that America suffers from inequality and injustices since enslavement started in the 17th century. The country’s fate is under a concealed case system that regulates the behaviors and lives of people. The system was created by early white settlers to justify their injustices towards people of color. Notwithstanding, the caste system continues to be exercised by Americans up to this far. For instance, the 2016 presidential election rationalized the control of institutions by caste hierarchy.
The caste system in the US is so influential that it gives people direction on what to do based on their race. Wilkerson notes that the system has created a perception where people of color are viewed as inferior. Any attempt of making progress for the blacks has been met with absolute resistance. When a lower caste attempts to succeed, the system ensures such an attempt does not materialize. The dominant caste is skeptical of the ability of the lower caste.
The caste system felt threatened by the presidency of Barack Obama because he belonged to the lower caste. To counter the threats, white people voted for an unqualified candidate who promoted white supremacy in 2016. Wilkerson insists that the caste manifests in all aspects of life. The dominant caste feels more superior compared to the lower caste.
