Chapter 22 Flashcards
Why must people in the subordinate caste develop heightened perception and emotional intelligence?
Their survival depends on decoding the moods, needs, and hierarchies of the dominant caste, much like hostages adapt to captors.
What does Patricia Hill Collins say about wisdom in the context of caste?
“Knowledge without wisdom is adequate for the powerful, but wisdom is essential to the survival of the subordinate.”
How does Stockholm Syndrome relate to caste systems?
Subordinate caste members may internalize loyalty or empathy toward their oppressors as a survival strategy, mirroring hostage psychology.
What was the public reaction to the 2019 Dallas courtroom incident involving forgiveness?
Dominant-caste observers praised it as grace, while many in the subordinate caste saw it as another example of forced forgiveness and role performance.
How do cultural expectations of Black forgiveness uphold caste dynamics?
They comfort the dominant caste and reinforce the idea that the subordinated must demonstrate moral superiority to be seen as worthy.
What was the tragedy behind the viral “Free Hugs” photo from 2014?
Devonte Hart, the Black child in the photo, was being abused by his white adoptive parents and ultimately died when they drove off a cliff with all six adopted children.
What did Roxane Gay argue about forgiveness after the Charleston church massacre?
That society expects Black people to forgive as a way to feel morally resolved without confronting systemic racism.
What did Suraj Yengde, a Dalit scholar, describe about his experience in the U.S.?
Despite his credentials, he felt unable to speak confidently with upper-caste Indians and carried deep trauma and fear from his caste background.
What metaphor did the Dalit scholar use to describe his adaptation in stores?
He bought shoes that didn’t fit rather than ask for the right size—to avoid being dismissed or insulted.
What is the psychological impact of caste described in this chapter?
Caste creates a deep internalized fear, shame, and learned inferiority, making subordinate-caste individuals constantly self-regulate to avoid humiliation.
