Oprah’s Book Club Caste: Pillar Two
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Sep 15, 2020 
Isabel Wilkerson, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents," joins Academy Award-winning actor Forest Whitaker for a thought-provoking discussion. They dive into the concept of heritability within the caste system, tracing its roots in early America and the implications of inherited societal rank. Personal narratives highlight the harsh realities of systemic racism, from shocking encounters to the emotional toll of racial discrimination. The conversation inspires reflection on transforming feelings of entrapment into proactive empathy and understanding.
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Heritability: Inherited Social Status
- Heritability, a core pillar of caste, dictates that social status is inherited.
- In America, this was historically enforced through laws that assigned a child's caste based on the mother's, specifically targeting enslaved Black women.
Isabel Wilkerson's Airport Encounter
- Isabel Wilkerson recounts being questioned and followed by DEA agents in a Detroit airport.
- This experience, despite her professional status, highlighted how caste can affect anyone regardless of achievements.
Forest Whitaker's Shoplifting Accusation
- Actor Forest Whitaker shares an experience of being wrongly accused of shoplifting and frisked.
- Despite his celebrity status, he faced this humiliating experience based on his race.
