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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. In "A Long-Running Play and the Emergence of Caste in America," what does the Nigerian playwright tell Wilkerson about Blacks in Africa?
(a) They are afraid to come to the U.S.
(b) They also have a history of slavery.
(c) They are also prejudiced against Black Americans.
(d) They do not exist.

2. In "An American Untouchable," how does the high school principal in India refer to Martin Luther King'?
(a) As a "Negro."
(b) As an "American Gandhi."
(c) As an "untouchable."
(d) As a great leader.

3. Which of the following is the traditional Indian word for "caste"?
(a) Vaishya.
(b) Varna.
(c) Kshatriya.
(d) Dalit.

4. In "The Vitals of History," what does Wilkerson compare an honest and rigorous study of history to?
(a) A mechanic using a diagnostic computer.
(b) A doctor taking a patient history.
(c) A child learning a new language.
(d) An archaeologist uncovering artifacts.

5. In the opening anecdote of the book, what escapes from the melting permafrost?
(a) Nuclear waste.
(b) SARS-CoV-2.
(c) Mercury.
(d) Anthrax.

Short Answer Questions

1. Besides the caste systems in India and the United States, which other caste system does Wilkerson say that she will focus on?

2. On page 59 of "Chapter Five: 'The Container We Have Built for You,'" when Harold Hale's daughter is about to return to school after a visit with a friend's family, what is the grandmother's response?

3. According to Wilkerson, what constituency does the Republican Party represent?

4. What technique does Wilkerson use for the first time in the beginning of "An Old House and an Infrared Light"?

5. Which leading Black intellectual corresponded with Bhimrao Ambedkar about race in America?

(see the answer key)

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