>Caste has no place in America. It's antithetical to our founding values.
"Caste" as being your ring in the social hierarchy is present in almost any culture or civilization, and prejudiced treatment of people in either higher or lower social rings is definitely (in my opinion) a part of American culture. This country definitely offers special treatment and privilege to those in higher "castes"... Hell, even just having a Southern accent in America will grant you a prejudiced treatment in many settings.
Indeed and in 19th century New England there was actually a term "Boston Brahmin." It was also based on surname and social standing. The term is still used, often in articles discussing people from white well-to-do, old money New England families.
"Caste" as being your ring in the social hierarchy is present in almost any culture or civilization, and prejudiced treatment of people in either higher or lower social rings is definitely (in my opinion) a part of American culture. This country definitely offers special treatment and privilege to those in higher "castes"... Hell, even just having a Southern accent in America will grant you a prejudiced treatment in many settings.