Finally read @blackleftaf’s epic @BostonReview piece on Wilkerson’s book, “Caste.” Much to take away from this sharp review, particularly the critique that the book lacks analyses of racial (and casteist) capitalism, among other things...A thread http://bostonreview.net/race/charisse-burden-stelly-caste-does-not-explain-race 1/6

The fact remains that caste is not an analytical replacement for race. At the same time, contra Oliver Cox (cited in the BR review), the history of *modern* caste cannot be theorized outside of class, capitalism, & coloniality, as Dalit intellectuals and left historians argue 2/6

Cox was right about racial capitalism, but wrong about modern caste. A Trinidadian Marxist, his belief that India’s caste system has “no class struggle” & is “peaceful” and “blessed in sacred books” (thus incomparable w/ race) parrots Brahminical, elitist misrepresentations. 3/6

Beyond Cox, numerous critical analyses of race and caste conducted independently actually converge on the question of how capitalist value is derived from logics of racialization and dehumanization wrought through labor and property regimes. 4/6

In sum, to robustly think race and caste together—while also appreciating key historical differences—it’s helpful to read scholars of racial capitalism alongside political-economic analyses of caste, labor, capital, & colonialism. 5/6

All in all: thanks for writing this review @blackleftaf (Dr. CBS) - very helpful in reminding to avoid the pitfalls of superficial comparison, while also thinking through parallels and opportunities for radical solidarity more productively. 6/6