The Banality of Caste

Wilkerson portrays caste’s effects as not only flagrant acts of discrimination, but subtle, banal manifestations. By emphasizing caste’s banal forms, Wilkerson shows the pervasiveness of caste and how it intrudes into all aspects of every life. Wilkerson notes how caste hierarchy gives members of its dominant caste feelings of superiority and authority over the lower, subordinate castes. Wilkerson notes at caste conferences she attends that she can ascertain which Indian attendees were born into the higher castes from their tendency to correct Dalit speakers, interject, and explain their own work. These banal actions, while small, all present the higher caste people as believing they have more knowledge, ability, and authority than the lower caste people.

Despite its the banality of some of caste’s manifestations, Wilkerson shows that even the most commonplace reflections of caste can injure greatly. Wilkerson describes when she was...