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

2. On page 287 of "Chapter Twenty-Two: The Stockholm Syndrome and the Survival of the Subordinate Class," what does Wilkerson blame on "the latitude granted these white saviors...[and] the collective desire to solve tribal wounds with superficial gestures of grace from the wounded"?
(a) The 2015 Charleston church massacre.
(b) The light sentence given to the white officer who shot a man who was just watching TV in his own apartment.
(c) The shooting of Michael Brown in Ferguson.
(d) The failure of society to see the truth of Devonte Hart's situation.

3. In "Pillar Number Eight: Inherent Superiority versus Inherent Inferiority," what is Wilkerson's central claim?
(a) That the caste system depends on all members of the lowest caste being treated as inferior to all members of the highest caste.
(b) That American Blacks have historically been treated like animals.
(c) That Black Americans have had to learn an elaborate performance of inferiority.
(d) That even ordinary events like getting onto a bus reflect the premise that Blacks are inferior.

4. What departure from legal precedent was made in the Virginia Assembly's decision that the children of enslaved women should also be considered slaves?
(a) Prior to this, slavery was not considered a permanent condition.
(b) Prior to this, slavery was not considered to be inherited.
(c) Prior to this, status was legally passed from father to child.
(d) Prior to this, the status of both parents was factored into a child's status.

5. 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?
(a) Race.
(b) Racism.
(c) Caste.
(d) Discrimination.

Short Answer Questions

1. In "Chapter Twenty-Three: Shock Troops on the Borders of Hierarchy," what solution does the flight attendant offer Wilkerson when other first class passengers seem to be making antagonistic comments about her race?

2. In "Chapter Fifteen: The Urgent Necessity of a Bottom Rung," what is the story of Burton Holmes and Freddie Stowers meant to illustrate?

3. On page 287 of "Chapter Twenty-Two: The Stockholm Syndrome and the Survival of the Subordinate Class," what does Roxanne Gay say causes whites to "embrace narratives about forgiveness"?

4. In "Chapter Twenty-Seven: The Symbols of Caste," what does Wilkerson say was the true purpose behind erecting Confederate monuments?

5. In "A Long-Running Play and the Emergence of Caste in America," what does the Nigerian playwright tell Wilkerson about Blacks in Africa?

(see the answer key)

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