Describe examples of discrimination within a range of contexts?

Answer 1

Discrimination has both positive and negative meanings.

Positive

A man may be an expert in fine wines or cigars. He uses a discriminating nose and palate to distinguish the subtle smells and tastes within a product. Technically, he could be accused of "discrimination" against brands of wine or cigars that don't meet his expert judgement.

An person might use discrimination when deciding to apply for a job. If Company A is barely functioning, makes little profit, has no future prospects, and is generally considered an awful place to work, a person may choose not to apply at all at that company.

A man decides to marry, but refuses to meet or date anyone who is not Jewish, his own faith. This is a form of personal discrimination, although society doesn't hold the man to any negative consequences because of his firm choice.

Negative

We are all much more familiar with the word "discrimination" as showing prejudice against a particular race, age, sex, disability, etc.

A wheelchair-bound worker may not get the job despite being qualified.

An employer might state he would "never hire thosedruggies" as he talks about Black men.

A waitress might refuse to serve a mixed race couple.

A day care worker might make a derogatory remark to a white woman about her "monkey baby" and the day care operator might refuse to accept the baby in her daycare.

Jews often faced prejudice and discrimination in society because their religious beliefs were different from Christianity.

Muslims may feel they are discriminated against more since the attacks on the World Trade Center. Women who wear the veil often find other people distrust or fear the women for no other apparent reason.

During World War II, the USA rounded up all Japanese-Americans and made them live in camps. The people felt discriminated against even though they were innocent.

During the 1950s-1960s, many people went on a witch hunt to identify people with "Communist" ties. Many actors, actresses, and others were labeled Communists and discriminated against for many years.

Answer 2

1. Employment: Discrimination in hiring, promotion, or firing based on race, gender, age, or disability.
2. Housing: Denying housing opportunities based on race, ethnicity, or family status.
3. Education: Unequal treatment or opportunities based on socioeconomic status, race, or disability.
4. Healthcare: Unequal access to healthcare services based on income, race, or gender.