The caste system: it’s a social hierarchy common in South Asian communities, but it’s now also become a flashpoint in the United States. Earlier this year, Seattle became the first city in the US to explicitly ban caste discrimination. The new law has been celebrated by many, and the state of California is considering passing a similar bill. But such moves are not without controversy. South Asians make up just about 2% of the US population, leading some to allege the new law unfairly singles out a minority community and perpetuates stereotypes. 

In this episode: 

• Kshama Sawant (@cmkshama), Member, Seattle City Council 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra and our host, Malika Bilal. Miranda Lin fact-checked this episode.

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Munera Al Dosari and Adam Abou-Gad are our engagement producers. 

Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer, and Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera's head of audio.

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