Oprah’s Book Club

Part seven of Oprah’s discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson and readers of the book, Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. The penultimate episode in the eight-part series focuses on the eighth and final pillar of Caste, "Inherent Superiority Versus Inherent Inferiority” which describes how the dominant caste were conditioned to believe that one group is superior and inherently deserving of the best in a given society. Isabel also explores why the dominant cast believes those deemed lowest are deserving of their plight.  David Holt, mayor of Oklahoma City, joins Oprah, Isabel and other guests to discuss how the caste system has impacted his city. 

Part six of Oprah’s discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson and readers of the book, Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. The sixth episode in the eight-part series focuses on the sixth pillar of Caste, “Dehumanization and Stigma” and the seventh pillar, “Terror as Enforcement, Cruelty as a Means of Control.”  Isabel explains how dehumanization is the fundamental leveler that allows everything else in the caste system to occur. Plus, how terror through lynching and brutality has been and continues to be used to keep the subordinate caste in its place. Melba Patillo Beals, one of the original Little Rock Nine school children who integrated the very first high school in Arkansas in 1957, recounts the horrific details of a lynching she witnessed when she was five years old.

Part five of Oprah’s discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson and readers of the book, Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. The fifth episode in the eight-part series focuses on the fifth pillar of Caste, “Occupational Hierarchy.” Isabel explores how the subordinate caste are often relegated to menial forms of labor, which further cements their place in the bottom rung of society in the eyes of the dominant caste. We’ll hear from an executive from a major tech company, a manager who is in charge of recruiting new employees and a high school principal.

Part four of Oprah’s discussion with Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Isabel Wilkerson and readers of the book, Caste: The Origins of our Discontents. The fourth episode in the eight-part series focuses on the fourth pillar of Caste, “Purity Versus Pollution.” Isabel explains how the caste system keeps groups separate for the protection of the “purity” of the dominant caste against the pollution of the “subordinate” caste. Oprah, Isabel and guests talk about the heartbreaking story of Al Bright, a nine year old Black child who was shamed when barred from sharing a pool with his little league baseball teammates 1951. We’ll hear from one of Al’s best friends who knew him at the time of the incident.

In this discussion, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Isabel Wilkerson dives into the complexities of the caste system in America. She recounts a heart-wrenching story of Willie James Howard, shedding light on historical racial injustices. A mixed-race couple shares their struggles with love amidst societal constraints in 1966, illustrating the transformative power of intermarriage. The conversation emphasizes youth engagement and the need to challenge systemic injustices, advocating for education and dialogue to inspire change across generations.

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.

Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her groundbreaking work on social issues, joins Oprah to delve into her book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. They discuss the insidious nature of the caste system in the U.S. and its historical roots, exploring how religion has been manipulated to justify social hierarchies. The conversation highlights the emotional weight of conversations about race and the need for honest dialogue, while also reflecting on personal experiences that illuminate the pervasive impact of systemic inequality.

Isabel Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author known for her groundbreaking work on race, dives deep into her influential book, Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents. She discusses the urgent need for new language to address systemic inequalities and how personal experiences, including her own losses, shaped her creative process. Wilkerson emphasizes the role of ordinary individuals in societal injustices and advocates for radical empathy as a means to combat hate. Her insights challenge listeners to reflect on their own complicity and the historical threads of caste in America.

Oprah Winfrey and Isabel Wilkerson dive into the powerful themes of Wilkerson's book, exploring how caste systems shape society. They discuss the relevance of historical injustices in today's world and the importance of addressing these issues. This conversation encourages listeners to reflect on the origins of discontent and to engage in meaningful discussions about social justice.