Caste

Caste

by

Isabel Wilkerson

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on Caste makes teaching easy.

Caste: The Vitals of History Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
When someone goes to the doctor, their physician will not treat them without first examining their family’s history. Similarly, looking through the history of one’s country can often feel like discovering that an ailment or addiction runs in the family. But just as one can’t hide one’s medical history from one’s doctor and ignore their problems until they go away, Wilkerson argues, Americans must educate themselves about the full history of their country. This way, they can take precautions that will protect future generations from the threat of history repeating itself.
This short chapter illustrates the book’s intent to look through the U.S.’s history to search for the truth. Only by understanding the past—and how caste has sustained itself in the U.S. for centuries—will Americans be able to understand the problems plaguing the nation today.
Themes
Caste, Race, and Social Division in the U.S.  Theme Icon
How Caste Sustains Itself Theme Icon