Why You Need to Read Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents

The past month, I have been reading Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. It is a #1 New York Times Bestseller, and rightfully so. I could not put the book down. A notable read from Oprah’s Book Club, this exploration of the integrated caste system into our society was an eye-opening piece. 

Not only was the style of the writing engaging, filled with unique metaphors and quotes that really make you think, the book itself reexamines the way Americans live their everyday lives. It looks back into history, providing in-depth analysis of historical events and people, and how all of this comes together to connect to our disconnects in modern-day. Wilkerson uses connections to Nazi Germany and India to consider the social divisions that are so prevalent in our society to this day. She explores how caste and race blend together in our world, and addresses the structural power of the “dominant caste”. 

Wilkerson even takes it back to before the beginning of the United States when she writes, “Before the United States of America, there was enslavement”. Her exploration of the dark history of human violence spans over the entire timeline of the United States, continuing to the present day and the Black Lives Matter Movement. 

The topics discussed can be confusing and bewildering, but Wilkerson explains them perfectly. She makes her arguments so plainly clear, and easy to navigate. She activates history effortlessly throughout her writing, and it becomes a perfect analysis of how we understand American supremacy and power. 

The story overall is extraordinary, extremely engaging, and a must read for everyone. It made me completely rethink the way that I look at my thoughts and actions. It was moving, emotionally raw, and really opened my eyes to the institutionalized injustice and inequality in our society today. I absolutely recommend this read to everyone. It is important to be educated, not only on what is happening currently, but also everything historically that has led up to our current point in time. And this piece does exactly that.

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