Our guest this week is Debra Pakaluk who is reviewing National Humanities Medalist, Isabel Wilkerson’s, book on race in America.

by Debra Pakaluk

Isabel Wilkerson’s Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents is one of the most important books I have ever read.  Impeccably researched, extremely well-written, Caste explains much of what is happening in our country.  Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize winning journalist.  Her book is emotionally challenging to read but is one that I wish every American would read.  Germany and America have chosen to deal with their respective national stains very differently, and the consequences are evident.  As Americans, we have work to do.  Reading this book is a good first step.  

Included in the text is a quotation from a member of the highest caste in India: “My message would be to take off the fake crown.  It will cost you more to keep it than to let it go.  It is not real.  It is just a marker of your programming.  You will be happier and freer without it.  You will see all of humanity.  You will find your true self.”