Discrimination is the act of being prejudicial towards those within a certain category or group such as disability, race, gender, age, weight, nationality, sexual orientation among many others.
Discrimination can come in many different forms, these include but not limited to:
Isolation & Exclusion
Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Hate Crime
Hate Speech
There are two main ways that discrimination takes place overtly and covertly, overtly is the act of making the victim aware of your intentions, this could be physical violence or the act of shouting abuse. The other method ensured the person you are discriminating against isn't aware of your actions, but you are being prejudicial none the less. Covertly will generally take place within an institute such as a workplace, organisation or other area with members or groups of people.
The majority of decisions based upon the selection or de-selection of a person could potentially be based on discrimination. If that decision was based on prejudice rather than skills or personal qualities then this could open itself up to discriminatory abuse.
Another form of discrimination is called reverse discrimination, this is the selection of a person based upon their membership in a group rather than their exclusion. This is usually done to try to create a balance either within a group or workforce, rather than picking a person for their skills. Within the UK reverse discrimination is illegal even if it is done in the best intentions.
The only form of discrimination that is legal in the UK is positive discrimination. This is to discriminate for the benefit of a person(s) who have special requirements. A separate toilet, computer, parking area, guide dog or ramps may be required for someone disabled to comfortably move around or work.
Why do people discriminate ?
There are many reasons why discrimination occurs, although not extensive some of the reasons are:
Inherited behaviour from childhood, living in a family where discrimination was allowed or encouraged could lead to it feeling normal.
Stereotyping, grouping together personal qualities based on a persons genetic makeup or inclusion in a group.
Fear and ignorant of those with difference beliefs, needs or looks.
News, political or media influence
Propoganda, brainwashing and peer pressure.
As with reverse discrimination it could be done with the best interests at heart, or to balance a work force.
Symptoms of discrimination
What seperates these symptoms or behaviours from general abuse is that they are prejudicially aggravated, they are done on the sole basis that the victim belongs to a category or group of people.
Victim feelings & behaviour
Feel afraid of others reactions towards you, avoiding places or people.
Feelings of shame and self loathing.
Obsessed with trying to fit in, neglecting own personal beliefs or self.
Upset when others react differently towards you compared to the general public.
Becoming obsessed with revenge and/or leading to prejudicial views themselves.
Feeling isolated, excluded and feelings of loneliness.
Paranoid with how others perceive you, even those who help or offer advice.
Attempt to change appearance through body mutilation, to try to fit in.
Discriminatory behaviour
Aggressive, nasty and discriminatory comments.
Exclusion or isolation from a group or role.
Unnecessary questioning towards a prejudice.
Comments deemed inappropriate.
Physical contact including torture.
Threats of violence, including death.
Ignoring or dismissing your opinions or achievements.
Threats against children or other members of the group.
Stealing, damaging or destroying your property, or something you care for.
Forcing themselves upon you, either in a violent or sexual manner.
Forced to denounce belief's or opinions.
Reasons for not reporting discrimination
Belief that the abuse will stop.
Was unsure if it was discrimination or not.
Fear of reprisals if a complaint is made.
No self-esteem and feelings of self loathing.
Fear for the safety of those that are dependant on the victim.
Fear of further exclusion or isolation.
Fear of not being believed.
Others may react aggressively and become vigilantes, within my community
How will this affect others dependant upon me emotionally
Unsure how to complain or get help.
How will this affect others perception of me within the community.