When my younger sister was born my Dad was advised by his relatives and friends, ‘You are now the father of TWO girls, at least now learn to stay humble’. To which my Father retorted, ‘Now is when I am going to be even more arrogant because I am blessed to be a father to not one but TWO girls!’
Though we recount this anecdote with a lot of laughter, I must admit that it still hurts to realize that a birth of a girl is considered to be something to be sorry, or even ashamed, about. If you think times have changed from then to now you couldn’t be more mistaken.
Most people have learned to say the right things and behave in a politically correct manner, but Discrimination is that omnipresent shadow that still looms large.
What is Discrimination?
The Oxford Dictionary defines Discrimination as; The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, sex, or disability.
There are times people discriminate without realizing that they are doing it, then there are times that it is a conscious choice. Discrimination is so deeply rooted in our psyche that it bubbles up to the surface even when we don’t mean it to.
‘Girls don’t stay out till so late.’
‘Women are bad drivers.’
‘Men should not do housework.’
‘Stop crying like a woman.’
‘Man is the head of the household.’
Abusive words are used to demean someone. To make them feel bad. Ironically almost all the abusive words tend to be feminine gender-based.
Gender discrimination is just one of the ways people differentiate. Commenting on, even ridiculing, a person’s physical characteristics, complexion, age shaming, body shaming, and ridiculing their roots, language and food habits are other ways of differentiating people and making them feel inferior.
No one is above board when it comes to discrimination. We have all done it at some point in our lives, either consciously or without realizing it. However it is time to make a change, and change always starts with us.
Last year my choice of topic for Cause a Chatter was Mental Health, a cause very close to my heart. This year I choose to write on and highlight ‘Discrimination’. Through my posts, I hope to create awareness and nudge the conscience of my readers.
Blogchatter has chosen Inclusivity as the overall theme for 2022. Let us all understand this word, put it to use, and help make the world a more inclusive place where everyone is respected and everyone matters.
This is my 1st post for #CauseAChatter a campaign with Blogchatter.
I chose #Discrimination as my topic and will be writing a post a month on this topic.
We’re two sisters too Mayuri and my parents faced something similar. Isn’t it wonderful to have parents who stood by us and are proud of us despite those times? It’s sad that such a mindset still exists. It’ll take a few generations to right the wrongs of hundreds of past years.
You bet! We are blessed to have parents like ours. Yes, it will take a long time to right these wrongs.
Absolutely agree with you. Discrimination is indeed deep rooted and the change that we need needs to start from home itself.And yes, it will never be easy but always possible if we choose to change for good.
This is absolutely true, Mayuri. Discrimination is wrong and to take corrective action one must start from home itself .
Glad you agree, Chinu. Thanks for reading.
We too are two sisters, Mayuri and I’ve got a little niece now. I understand that discrimination still exists in different sections of our society and it sucks! It is the 21st century, for God’s sake. But touchwood! Super blessed to have such loving friends and family who never made us realize we as girls are different from boys! <3