The Most Prominent Forms of Discrimination Essay

Introduction

Discrimination is an affliction that has been with humanity since time immemorial. It is where certain groups of people are regarded as being lesser humans because of what they are or the beliefs they represent. It could be their gender, sexual orientation, religion, or other aspects of humanity that would otherwise be considered unique.

Discrimination against women

The most prominent form of discrimination has been that against women. They have always been viewed as the weaker sex. They have been seen as objects of sex; they are only supposed to be seen and not heard. Their role is also depicted as that of a homemaker; to be in the kitchen and bear children. Women have been degraded at the place of work and in general the society. Males are seen as being more capable as compared to women. They are the pillars to represent security and stability in many communities. In the past, women were less privileged; their learning would only extend to reading while that of boys would go up to writing (Lepore, p. 47). They also got married at younger ages as compared to males.

In patriarchal communities, the males are the dominant figures. They represent leadership, and they are the heads of families. Women wait on them hand and foot. They are the leaders of women, children, property, and other possessions. Patriarchy literally means the rule of fathers.

This has taken root in modern society where males dominate in the social, political, and legal society across the globe. This shows that women are seen as subordinates to their male counterparts (Johnson, pp. 153-161).

Feminists are a group of people that came together to protect women and their rights. They fight for gender equality. They are also in opposition to violence against women, and any other oppression that is directed towards women. In the recent, past the feminist movements have grown so strong that there have been complaints that the woman is now being exalted above the male. Feminist movements are currently being told to back down a little since, the fight for the girl child has been publicized too much, and people are now asking who will represent the male child? Who will protect the male children or fight for their rights because so much effort has been put directed into the defense of the females? Some people even consider the male species as being endangered because they have no one to fight for them (Morgan, pp.29-62).

Diversity in sexuality

Diversity in sexuality is another ground for discrimination. It has been stipulated that heterosexuality is the ideal sexual orientation. It represents the majority of the human race, but the other small groups of other sexual orientations are also growing. Homophobia has been used to mask prejudice against same-sex relationships. Homophobic people are depicted as fearing gay, lesbian, and other transgender personalities, but in real truth, they are displaying negative attitudes towards these other forms of sexual orientation. They go on to hate people in same-sex relationships while they hide behind homophobia (Pharr, pp.162-171).

Racism

The greatest discrimination of all time is racism. This is where people are classified according to their color. In the past, black people were slaves. They were only good for what they could offer which was labor. The black people were seen as beasts of burden; they could even be traded in the market like commodities. The white people viewed them as being lesser humans. They were given second-hand treatment as they were entitled to no education, no rights to vote, or be counted as citizens. The black race could also not ride in the same buses as the white people did. They were openly discriminated against and since they had no rights; they could do nothing about it. The black race that is now called African-American was originally from the West Coast. They were transported across the Atlantic Ocean and traded on the American shores as slaves. With time they started learning about their rights, and they protested to being just slaves. With time, they evolved and became people who could access education, and even rise to the top professions.

In other cases like the Native Americans, they are also seen as being a community that still has to catch up with the times. They were also brutally treated as they were chased from their lands; their women and children were scalped, and they were taken as slaves too. The idea that certain races can work for certain races shows that discrimination against color was rampant in society. It shows that certain communities could be used for the convenience of others.

The white race has always been a superior race. The difference between people is physical; skin color can only extend so deep. What defines humanity extends beyond color. The brains, heart, and the rest of the organs are the same. All people are equal, and they also show different talents and abilities.

Conclusion

Discrimination is a vice that makes people lesser humans. The white male was considered to be very privileged since they had the benefit of being both male and white (McIntosh 26). Discrimination mostly occurs because it is cultured by the elders in the community; People that show power and authority. This, therefore, serves to propagate it to the younger generations. However, with time, it has been reduced and people are learning to appreciate others as people, and accept them for who they are.

Works cited

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2. Johnson, Allan G. The Gender Knot: Unraveling our Patriarchal Legacy. Revised and updated ed. Philadelphia: Temple University Press, 2005.
3. Kashef, Ziba. Like a Natural Woman: The Black Woman’s Guide to Alternative Healing. New York, N.Y.: Kensington Pub. Corp, 2001.
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