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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Section 3: "Part Three: The Eight Pillars of Caste".

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Wilkerson, who is at the top of the "ladder of humanity" created by colonists in North America?
(a) Christians.
(b) White men.
(c) English Protestants.
(d) Northern Europeans.

2. In "Pillar Number Five: Occupational Hierarchy: The Jatis and the Mudsill," how does Wilkerson say the state of South Carolina tried to keep Blacks out of all jobs other than domestic service and farming?
(a) By assessing them an exorbitant fee for a license to do other work.
(b) By making it illegal for Blacks to work outside of farming and domestic service.
(c) Through terror and social pressure.
(d) By refusing them access to schooling.

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 allows them to discriminate without having to admit that they are racists.
(c) It is human nature to want to dominate others.
(d) It is too psychologically painful to admit that one's own position is unearned.

4. How many American states had laws officially prohibiting marriage between Blacks and whites?
(a) 50.
(b) 26.
(c) 41.
(d) 12.

5. In "Chapter Five: 'The Container We Have Built for You,'" what unusual name does Harold Hale give his daughter?
(a) Lady.
(b) White.
(c) Daughter.
(d) Miss.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to "The Trials of the Middle Castes: The Race to Get Under the White Tent," what caused the Supreme Court to rule that "White" means "Caucasian"?

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

3. In "Pillar Number Eight: Inherent Superiority versus Inherent Inferiority," what is Wilkerson's central claim?

4. In the 1863 Draft Riots, what immigrant group perpetrated violence against Blacks?

5. What is the best definition of "heritability" as used in "The Second Pillar: Heritability"?

(see the answer key)

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