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Discrimination

The issue of discrimination is one that continues to generate plenty of debate especially in political and academic circles all over the world. The term discrimination describes the prejudicial treatment of individuals anchored in their association with certain minority groupings or categories (Simon 1). Discrimination involves the exclusion and denial of such groups from the basic opportunities provided to other groups. Put simply, it is whereby minority groups are denied of their rightful access to opportunities in society. Accordingly, various types of discrimination exist including racial discrimination, discrimination based on gender, political discrimination, religious discrimination, caste discrimination, and economic discrimination, just to mention a few (Simon 1). However, discrimination continues to be exercised in different ways, and for that reason, has taken a different dimension that is highly unnoticeable even to the persons committing the act. Discrimination may be conscious or unconscious, and for that reason, is a complex issue for discussion. This, in turn, makes discrimination an issue in society that needs to be considered for affirmative action in the society.

In essence, discrimination is a problem for many because it hinders community development and growth (Simon 5). Discrimination is known to be the cause of many problems that are related to human rights and the enrichment of lives in communities all over the world. Discrimination prevents proper living and appreciation of life by those who are discriminated against thus hindering their normal growth and development. Such people find themselves in disadvantaged positions, thus preventing their normal growth and development in the social setting. For example, racial or tribal discrimination in various parts of the world has seen many children miss out on opportunities to acquire a proper education. In America, for example, a higher percentage of students from low-income backgrounds attain their education from schools, which fit the description of being ‘below standard’. Their education curriculums are not as comprehensive as those of high-end schools, which cause a problem for these students when out of school. Accordingly, the largest problem regarding discrimination does not relate to the obvious and noticeable types of discrimination, but rather, those that cannot be easily identified. This is because such forms of discrimination are not easy to define, and for that reason, a solution for the problem may not be easily identifiable. One such discrimination is discrimination based on weight, which is the most recent form of discrimination exercised in society today.

Because discrimination occurs in two main forms, conscious and unconscious discrimination, there is need for the establishment of a solution that covers both these forms of discrimination (Simon 1). Researchers have identified one main solution to the problem of discrimination, which is education, and awareness of discrimination and its impact to society. By creating awareness on the issue, individuals will have the ability to distinguish between discriminatory actions and those that are not. Additionally, individuals will also have the relevant knowledge on the negative effects of discrimination, which may, in turn, motivate them to stop their discriminatory behaviors. Individuals will learn how discrimination affects proper growth and development, and the effects of this, not only on the person being discriminated against, but also on the people who discriminate others. Only through awareness of the problems that may arise from discrimination can individuals be encouraged to stop discriminating against each other.

Work Cited

Simon, David. Discrimination and Affirmative Action. 2004. Web. 18, October, 2011.

<< http://www.kon.org/urc/simon.pdf>>