Prevent Discrimination: We Are All One

Discrimination is actually a crime, a crime against humanity. It can be related to racial discrimination, discrimination based on the sex of the person, work place discrimination, and even to the discrimination at a small age in schools.

The United States is a country founded on the notion that all people are created equal. So it is reasonable to say that all Americans should be free from the any sort of discrimination. But have you ever been discriminated against? From the time we were little kids to the time we join the category of “Senior Citizens” we encounter instances of discrimination. Were you ever that kid that was picked last for kickball? It could have been because your so called “friends” thought you were too scrawny looking and wouldn’t help out the team. Or if you’re a female, say you’ve worked at a company for years and put in numerous hours of overtime. After you return from maternity leave, you tell your employer that you will not be able to put in as many hours of overtime. You then get demoted and you get less pay, while male coworkers in similar positions are allowed to cut back their overtime hours for personal reasons without any changes to their positions or pay. This is unlawful, but whose job is it to prevent discrimination anyway?

Workplace is not the only place where people face discrimination. It is also unlawful to discriminate against someone on the grounds of sexual orientation. But because of social and cultural biases, those people directly affected by discrimination based on their sexual orientation are reluctant to report discriminatory behavior directed at them. They may find little to no support for their claims. And many are afraid that complaining might just lead to further discrimination such as loss of promotions in their jobs or even verbal abuse from co-workers. Grow-up people, no one deserves this. Are you on-board to prevent discrimination? You would be if you were the one being discriminated against.

Luckily, our Nation is taking baby steps towards equality. We’ve elected an African-American President and some states have bolstered up their individual laws against discrimination. And it will be a historic day for many when we can finally agree on making it a law that will enable same-sex couples to enter into contractual relationships with the same the benefits offered to married couples. Hopefully this comes about sooner rather than later. Those working to prevent discrimination all agree that we need to transform our world from one of exclusion to one of complete inclusion. Every one is the same. Not just in the United States, but throughout the world.