Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson || Book Review

Matthew gives his review of Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. Who is this book for? Anyone?
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[@SuiteVII]

How about written for EVERYONE?

[@MatthewSchaefer]

While I agree that the message is for everyone, I think the writing may feel a little alienating for some readers - I believe that there are parts (especially the beginning) that could have been written a little more tactfully.

[@MatthewSchaefer]

@@crescendocanales405 Hey! I have pinned this comment thread to the top (and will do so more work to make it visble later - running a bit short on time now). I really appreciate the conversation you opened up with your video, and the care/time you took to put it together. I really am interested in the dialogue, and therefore would love if more people went and saw your video too. Thank you for putting it together.

[@L.Harris23]

Totally agree...it is written for EVERYONE. The reader should feel alienated, disgusted, and saddened by the past and present racial based caste system in this country. It's not about who doesn't understanding structural racism it's about acknowledging it so we can do and be better as a society. Don't run from the truth...embrace it so we can move forward as a society!

[@SuiteVII]

@@L.Harris23 🙌🏻🙌🏼🙌🏽🙌🏾🙌🏿

[@topalis22]

@@MatthewSchaefer so your only critique is that you as a white cis man do not like how the writing alienated other white people right? Cuz that’s what you’re saying. It’s meant for everyone because of what you’re hesitance speaks to, white fragility over an issue perpetuated and maintained by white supremacy. You don’t feel it’s helpful because it taps into your own implicit biases. It’s supposed to be uncomfortable, as being disillusioned by Color blindness has shown most whites won’t step outside themselves to address their own complacency in continuing this racial power structure. You need to think much deeper because this book deserves to be read by EVERYONE despite it feeling like parts of it might not tactfully please your white sensibilities. Take it in and review your own racial limitations and go beyond the writing.

[@mytemplewellness4297]

Thanks Sir for your review....THIS BOOK IS FOR EVERYONE!!!!!!!! A good book should encourage folks to consider their perspectives, ask questions, feel uncomfortable etc... no need to run from the truth. “You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free” most people unfortunately, do not want to know the truth nor can they handle the truth, either way, read the book share the book with everyone you know because it is for EVERYONE. As said by Oprah she is sending this book to the head of all 50 states so that they can be enlightening. Get enlightened folks! Read the book!

[@ForwardGroovement]

Just started reading the book and I love it. Your review is on point regarding the divisiveness in the beginning part especially because as you mentioned the ppl who really need the book would tune out based on her approach in the beginning. Blessings!

[@matthewlee4834]

Loved this review. You brought up really sound criticisms that I think deserve more recognition. Based on the like-dislike ratio and some of the comments, it seems some people don't appreciate your criticisms as much, but I personally think this video is an incredibly valuable part of the online conversation surrounding these topic.

[@MatthewSchaefer]

Wow, thanks Matthew. I really appreciate your comment. This is one of those videos that I've had to watch several times to make sure that I want bring unreasonable (the feedback has been very mixed). There are a couple things I could have said better, certainly, but generally my criticisms stand, I think. Thanks again for taking the time to comment.

[@apollocobain8363]

A very useful review. I too felt like the book is written for an uncritical audience and thus squanders the spotlight. The comparison between caste and racism didn't go anywhere for me. It was like she fell in love with the MLK Jr "untouchable" story and made a whole book out of that. She weaves in Trump, HRC, Covid and other things that are at best tangents and at worst total contradictions to the view she champions. Does she mention the economics (qui bono) of racism at all?

[@MatthewSchaefer]

I do feel like that was the biggest downfall of the novel, which you do a great job of summarizing in your second sentence - it just wasnt written for a critical audience. If she does touch on the economics of racism, it is only briefly (which would seem to me to be one of the biggest parallels to the caste system and racism, actually). Thanks for the comment!

[@apollocobain8363]

@@MatthewSchaefer There is a good review in WSJ written by an Indian who understands caste very well: www.wsj.com/articles/caste-review-the-high-cost-of-feeling-superior-11598623029 I'm working on a semi controversial look at a couple events in history (documentary) so have been looking at current works like Wilkerson's and Raoul Peck's to see how they connect with audiences as well as how they can confuse people. No book is written "for everyone" and my project certainly won't please everyone but my goal is to present the truth packed into a tightly constructed argument. The more controversial or confrontational a work is the more it needs to be bullet-proof IMHO. To that end Peck was phenomenal on "I Am Not Your Negro" but a mess in "Exterminate..." If racism is going to be defeated then we would do well to look at what is perpetuating it. Racism, like sexism and other discrimination and division, lets employers and governments play one group off of another to pay them ALL less and to oppress ALL of them by getting the powerless to oppress each other. Wilkerson seems to think the answer lies in enlightening the powerless that 'racism and caste is wrong and should be ended' -- but as long as there are economic and political incentives for racism it will be perpetuated by those who benefit and the opinions of the powerless, no matter how enlightened, matter little in that equation. Lastly, all analogies are flawed to some degree. The best use of analogies make complex concepts easier to understand. The worst use of analogies does the exact opposite -- it takes something simple and compares it to something else that is simple then devolves into a discussion about how the two things are similar yet different. I knew I was in trouble when she started with the anthrax analogy: Racism has not been lying dormant for 2000 years. I struggled to understand why she would think that analogy was appropriate or useful. I look forward to watching some of your other reviews. Best.

[@bradleybailey6417]

Hey man. Great review. I really agree with you on the divisiveness in this book. The book is full of great insight and it definitely opened my eyes to a lot but at the same time I fell she took some liberties with her agenda. I read this book after her appearance on the Jon Stewart pod cast. She really has a very great view on what’s goin on but at the same time it’s hard not to see a bit of a “my opinion” type of explanation in her theories. Anyways, it’s a good book but your right. I don’t know who I would recommend it to.

[@MatthewSchaefer]

That's exactly it, great summary of my thoughts. It's a great book. It really helped me to see some things that I didn't previously have the perspectives on. It's interesting....but I havent found anyone to really recommend it to.

[@csd8204]

Good review. I think you missed the mark regarding the comparisons and her use of higher caste. It wasn't used interchangeably. As for the comparison for Clinton v Trump it was an illustration how caste played into a qualified experienced woman losing to an unqualified inexperienced man and how caste played into that. As for "who" the book is "for"? Anyone wanting to understand/learn more regarding the methodology of an aspect of society that has played such a prominent role in history and present day America as well as Nazi Germany and India.

[@ratbatnufftime2861]

Politics has truly poisoned the collective american psyche and that was by design. "Divisive" a word thrown out, meant to squelch constructive debate by "virtue" of its pejorative contextualisation. Commonly used by "conservatives" who have a deeply vested interest in maintaining the status quo, "unwoke" black people and other minorities, as well as evasive, scared white christian identiarians. Bought the book this week and have already started reading it. You might have a point about the minimalist treatment given to the other groups outside of blacks and whites.

[@bhargavreddy9952]

I'm Indian , did she make it about religion ? Or did she mention the influence of British on it ? Or about other social structures around the world like Japan , China , Latin America under the Spaniards . At a point in time offcourse

[@kennedyhanner6973]

It’s mainly focused on America and it’s origin and comparing it to Indian Caste, not really going in depth on the origin of caste in India

[@Chuxx1000]

@@kennedyhanner6973 I understand your point of view however, it was from a african american point of view that I don't feel was appreciated because of the the unpopularity of the viewpoint because of this caste system.

[@jamesanthony8234]

@@kennedyhanner6973 yeah well todays indian caste was made the british colonialists not indians.

[@Past_10]

Your not Indian

[@donacatanguma]

Excellent review. Thank you☮️❤️

[@assadsiddiqui]

Anything that challenges the existing system is supposed to be inconvenient. You can't change the system by making it comfortable for the people who are mainly advantaged by the said system.

[@gerardsingleton6156]

Actually rich white American men understand structural racism they created it and using it today!Why should a book make a ground of people feel comfortable about something their ancestors exercised? I feel like people want the victims to make the inflictors feel comfortable about the things they did to them. Great book everyone should read.

[@papasitoman]

Good review. Gained a subscriber.

[@MatthewSchaefer]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it

[@kennedyhanner6973]

Loved the review! I just want to give some perspective when you mention how it seemed black and white. I believe that was the point of the book like because she is a black women she is speaking about how black people specifically were placed as the bottom and the relations with white people. I don’t think she would speak on the Asian of native experience cause one she’s not of that background and 2 the book would be like a million pages long😂I think the point was to focus on black and white relations, the two extremes. You can probable find an author who does tell of their experiences in caste and it’s evolution from the Asian or Native perspective.

[@MatthewSchaefer]

Thanks for the comment. I do think you are probably right. I don't know that I was expecting her to cover everything in totally depth, I think I felt it as a dichotomy at times (instead of a variance of gray, if that makes sense). Thanks again for the comment

[@Chuxx1000]

I agree.

[@NB-nh2sf]

Black Americans definitely live in a caste system but the book was not my.favorite because she makes it Whites vs everyone. That isn't the case. Black Americans are the only ppl who faced government oppression in the country they HELPED CREATE. and we didn't come here by choice. the Warmth Of other Sun's shows just how much Black Americans have been through an us alone. Her first novel is amazing.

[@douglasarmendarez3469]

Solid review. The comparative Trump commentary also rubbed me the wrong way...had a hard time after that thinking the narrator was going to be objective about the rest of her ideas, but I did enjoy parts of the book... though much of the book seemed like a creative reframing of things I have already read. It's funny the way we set up a caste politically...if you are a white Republican you need to read this book, therefore you are not as good as the "other" people...those already enlightened. Maybe that is a testament as to how ingrained in our human nature, sadly, we are to create and promote "otherness," even when we are intellectually opposed to it.

[@billybutcher6504]

Ambedkarism is the biggest threat to cast system! In order to assimilate cast system comprehensively its indespensible to read DR BHIM RAO AMBEDKAR book! Coz he is symbol of knowledge, No 1 scholars in the world and his books r incredibly important to understand history! I really appretiate Wilkerson work that she wrote great book in regard with cast system. Jai Bhim!🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳

[@tmosest]

Great review man! Just read the whole book and wanted another opinion.

[@MatthewSchaefer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@atwilliams8]

Haven't read this one, Warmth of Other Suns was good, didn't get through it though.

[@daurham]

I’m still going to read it, but the fact it has politically opinionated chapters on HRC & DT, it completely loses a few tiers of respect w/ me. I value understanding what this caste system is- but I’ve learned, the people who to trust follow certain patterns. Folks who heavily worship HRC and smear DT are vulnerable to left bs propaganda, just as the vice versa. Not very wise on her part if she’s an intellectual and wants change.... I’m fortunately to have found such an honest review 🙏🏼 Thanks dude. I’m hoping it can serve a decent rebuttal to work by Coleman Hughes, Thomas Sowell, John McWhortter or Glen Loury, who have a different type of nuanced view on race relations. (Been looking for an educated rebuttal since July)

[@csd8204]

So, you haven't read it but offer an opinion on its contents? Ok.

[@daurham]

@@csd8204 I got to that section and my assumed opinions were spot on. Gotta get better at reading behavioral patterns my guy. It’s easy when politics are involved.

[@johngoldberg1387]

Thanks Matt. Enjoyed the video. Can see where you’re coming from with the criticisms.

[@kennethwoods2071]

I hear you but it's really for all white people but it's for people of color to help them see and know of the things they didn't know because so much was hidden from us.but you have to remember this stuff is so much deeper than what she talked about.and to say it makes you mad it does the same thing for me too as a black man but i need to hear this .as well as you.just because you don't agree on everything don't mean it's not right.and we don't even need to discuss Trump he just say what you guys say anyway most of the time and gets away with it.

[@joshgrover8795]

Thank you for your observations. Great stuff. I do however take issue with your overly generalized point of view of conservative white men. Not all are as you say.

[@MatthewSchaefer]

That is fair, definitely a stereotype. Thanks for the comment!

[@nivlekloen7437]

Any fool can see that this book is for everyone and truly concludes many misconceptions

[@MatthewSchaefer]

Thanks for the comment!