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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 2: "Part Two: The Arbitrary Construction of Human Divisions".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On page 12, Wilkerson says that some contagions can only be managed with "vigilance." How is she proposing they should be managed?
(a) With constant watchfulness.
(b) With great speed.
(c) With careful thoroughness.
(d) With brute force.

2. According to Wilkerson, what serves as a signal of rank within the American caste system?
(a) Education.
(b) Wealth.
(c) Religion.
(d) Race.

3. In "Chapter Six: The Measure of Humanity," what reason does Wilkerson give for most people's participation in the American caste system?
(a) It preserves their place in the hierarchy.
(b) It is human nature to want to dominate others.
(c) It allows them to discriminate without having to admit that they are racists.
(d) It is too psychologically painful to admit that one's own position is unearned.

4. In "Through the Fog of Delhi to the Parallels in India and America," what is one of the main differences that Wilkerson notes between caste in America and caste in India?
(a) Blacks in America are not permanently confined to the lowest caste.
(b) The American system is for the most part a binary one.
(c) The lowest caste in India was never enslaved.
(d) There is no attempt being made in modern India to improve the situation of the lowest caste.

5. What social trend does Wilkerson link to the 2016 election?
(a) A rise in anxiety and depression.
(b) An increase in hate crimes.
(c) The offshoring of manufacturing jobs.
(d) A decrease in undocumented immigration.

Short Answer Questions

1. In the opening anecdote of the book, what escapes from the melting permafrost?

2. When legislation was finally adopted to limit the workday of enslaved persons, how long did their workday become?

3. In "Chapter Six: The Measure of Humanity," what does Wilkerson say we are doing when we "see" race?

4. 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?

5. In "Chapter Five: 'The Container We Have Built for You,'" what does Harold Hale do when people knock down his mailbox?

(see the answer key)

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