Chapter 16 Flashcards
What metaphor does Wilkerson use to describe the structure of caste in society?
A mythical high-rise building, with the dominant caste in the penthouse and the subordinate caste in the basement.
What happens when basement-dwellers begin to rise in the caste hierarchy?
Surveillance begins, and the whole building feels threatened, triggering internal competition and anxiety within the lower caste.
What is “last place anxiety”?
The fear among marginalized people of being seen as the lowest in the hierarchy, leading to infighting and attempts to distance oneself from others in the same group.
What is colorism and how is it a tool of caste?
Colorism is a preference for lighter skin tones within marginalized groups, rooted in proximity to dominant caste features. It reinforces internal hierarchies.
Why might marginalized people resent others in their group who succeed?
Their success can intensify feelings of inferiority in others and trigger fears of being left behind or judged.
What is the “crabs in a barrel” phenomenon?
A dynamic where marginalized individuals pull down those trying to rise, sometimes out of fear of losing a member or being further disadvantaged.
What role does caste play in the criminal justice system, according to Bryan Stevenson?
The race of the victim is the strongest predictor of who receives the death penalty, showing systemic bias against Black victims.
How do immigrants sometimes navigate the caste system in America?
They may distance themselves from African-Americans to avoid being placed at the bottom, even though African-Americans’ struggles helped open immigration paths.
How does the caste system create friction among marginalized groups?
It incentivizes division and competition to avoid last place, fostering resentment between groups like African-Americans and Afro-Caribbean immigrants.
What did Colin Powell experience at a drive-in in Alabama in 1963?
He was refused service because he identified as Black, despite being an Army officer. The waitress only offered to serve him through the back window.
How can people of marginalized identities become enforcers of caste?
To gain approval or survive within the system, they may police or mistreat others from their own group, reinforcing caste norms.
What does Wilkerson suggest about people who rise to power but do not support others in their group?
They may uphold caste to gain acceptance or survive, and are often not held accountable for mistreating those of lower status.
