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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 6: "Part Six: Backlash".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In "Chapter Twenty-Nine: The Price We Pay for a Caste System," what is the anecdote about physicist Lean Lederman intended to illustrate?
(a) White Americans are often unaware of the challenges faced by Black Americans.
(b) Even in modern times it is nearly impossible for Black scientists to achieve recognition for their work.
(c) The United States devotes relatively few resources to the well-being of its citizens.
(d) Black Americans are still discriminated against by the health-care system.

2. Just before the 2008 election, what mailing did many Americans receive that Wilkerson, in "Chapter Twenty-Five: A Change in the Script," says became an "inadvertent leaflet in favor of the Democrat" (312)?
(a) A solicitation for contributions by John McCain.
(b) An openly racist cartoon paid for by a Republican PAC.
(c) Notifications of layoffs and downsizing at their employers.
(d) Their quarterly statements for their retirement accounts.

3. In "Chapter Twenty-Five: A Change in the Script," whom does Wilkerson quote as saying that there was nothing more important than making sure that Obama did not win a second election?
(a) An Arizona governor.
(b) The pastor of the largest evangelical church in Alabama.
(c) The Republican Senate Majority Leader.
(d) The leader of the Ku Klux Klan.

4. In "Chapter Twenty-Six: Turning Point and the Resurgence of Caste," Wilkerson says that when people vote, they often choose to vote in a way that will do what?
(a) Protect the best interests of their own highest-status trait.
(b) Consider the needs of the many instead of the needs of the few.
(c) Empower a candidate who appeals to their worst instincts.
(d) Show solidarity with those who share their lowest-status trait.

5. In "Chapter Twelve: A Scapegoat to Bear the Sins of the World," what does Wilkerson say Austin police initially said about the bomb-related death of Stephan House?
(a) That it was probably the work of a serial bomber.
(b) That House was the probable suspect in a string of bombings.
(c) That it was likely a hate crime.
(d) It might be drug-related, or House might have accidentally blown himself up.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Chapter Eleven: Dominant Group Status Threat and the Precarity of the Highest Rung," what does Wilkerson argue the lowest-status Whites have been given in the place of real security and opportunity?

2. In "Chapter Twenty-Six: Turning Point and the Resurgence of Caste," what does Wilkerson tell Gwen Ifill she thinks is behind Trump's popularity?

3. On page 68 of "Chapter Six: The Measure of Humanity," what does Wilkerson say is "one of the most contentious and misunderstood" words in American culture?

4. In "Chapter Seventeen: On the Early Front Lines of Caste," what is the main difference between the various works that Wilkerson discusses?

5. Where does the word "caste" come from?

(see the answer key)

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