You Belong Here

Stretch

Have you ever read a book that feels life-changing? One that completely alters how you see the world and understand it?

My list of such books is short, but each has impacted me in profound and unique ways. One of them is Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. Published in 2020 by Wilkerson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and journalist, Caste deeply examines the origins and connections of caste systems throughout history, with a specific focus on:

• The millennia-old Hindu caste system that continues to shape Indian culture and society today.

• The failed caste system of Nazi Germany, which inflicted devastating death and destruction before its fall.

• The race-based caste system that exists here in the United States, even today.

As an Indian woman who grew up in a Hindu household in the United States, the Hindu caste system is one I know intimately—and one I soundly rejected as a young woman. Its narrow-mindedness and destructive ability to limit professional, social, and even marriage opportunities never sat right with me. However, analyzing the limitations the Hindu caste system imposes on Indian society reveals startling parallels to how people are treated based on race in the United States.

Wilkerson masterfully illustrates this connection through her thoughtful analysis, exploring the treatment of the Dalit (“Untouchable”) class in India, the experiences of Jews under the Nazis, and the pyramid-shaped, race-based caste system still upheld in the United States.

This book profoundly shifted how I view social norms, racism, and classism in the U.S. As an Indian-American, I felt deep shame and anger that aspects of Indian culture and society informed a system that has been so brutal to marginalized groups here.

One quote from the book continues to resonate deeply with me:

To me, these words perfectly encapsulate the American experience of race: why recent elections have swung in favor of bigotry and how many of us unknowingly uphold a system that shapes our lives. Once you read this book and see the hierarchy for what it is, it becomes impossible to unsee it. Through Wilkerson’s case studies, you’ll uncover:

• How the racial wealth gap was perpetuated through policies like excluding Black servicepeople from the GI Bill.

• How history in the United States is intentionally framed to exclude People of Color while centering European Americans.

• The systemic, racist laws and policies designed to oppress marginalized groups, particularly the Black American community.

• And so much more.

It’s easy to feel helpless or ashamed for participating in this system—whether you recognize it or not. However, Wilkerson offers a practical approach to begin dismantling this deeply rooted hierarchy:

I love this statement because it aligns so closely with a message I frequently share with aspiring allies: It’s not about the fact that you didn’t know before. You know now. And now that we know better, it’s time for us to do better.

I highly recommend you read Wilkerson’s writing—it will change you for the better. After you do, I’d love to hear your thoughts: What part will you play in reshaping our society?

Always,
Jaya

P.S. Community Leaders, don’t forget: our first Ask Me Anything (AMA) is happening Monday! This is just one of the benefits of being part of the Community Leader tier. Ready to join us? Sign up below!

Reflect

1. If you come from a culture or background with hierarchical systems, how have you navigated or challenged those structures?

2. How do you see caste-like systems showing up in the U.S. today? In what ways do these systems shape social, economic, and political dynamics?

3. Wilkerson emphasizes that caste systems are maintained by the individuals within them. What actions can you take to challenge or dismantle these systems in your own sphere of influence?

Act

1. Read Caste to gain a deeper understanding of systemic hierarchies and their impacts.

2. Work on identifying and unlearning your own unconscious biases by seeking feedback and practicing humility.

3. Center the voices and needs of those most affected by these systems, offering support without taking over the narrative.

Ready to join our Community Leaders?

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