How to Recognize Reverse Discrimination

It can be difficult enough to recognize discrimination as we each go about our daily life routines, inasmuch as we each live in our own skin, unable to clearly see life from the viewpoint of another. Reverse discrimination, that which is aimed at those traditionally in the majority, can be just as difficult to spot.

Instructions

1. Decide that you will look for discrimination wherever it occurs, without thinking in particular of reverse discrimination. By forcing yourself into the role of searcher of reverse discrimination, you run the risk of pushing things too far back the other way. By maintaining an equilibrium in your observations, you will be better able to root out discrimination of any kind.

2. Recognize age discrimination. While there are many things that youth cannot do, because of their age, there are times that older individuals are told that their opportunities are limited, because of their age. Look for examples in hiring practices and in other public service opportunities.

3. Be aware of gender discrimination. Whereas years of continually keeping females from having the earning power of males has kept the former gender in an unequal role within our economy, at times the proposed solutions, which resemble affirmative action in practice, weight the scales in favor of females and minority ethnic groups. At times, such a practice, as laudable is it is for the goals it tries to attain, causes qualified Caucasian males to be overlooked for positions in favor of minority applicants who are not qualified.

4. Look for instances of race discrimination. In this area, one of the most controversial aspects up for discussion today is that of affirmative action. Study past cases where minorities have been discriminated against in the workplace, and see if the rules under affirmative action are now slanted too far the other way.

5. Check for examples of religious discrimination as well. We are fond, in this country, of pronouncing our zeal for religious freedom, which generally holds true for most practitioners. However, in the wake of terrorist attacks by Muslim fundamentalists, many Muslim groups have been targeted as "terrorist lovers" and such, especially by political ideologues. Such behavior does a disservice to those religious groups and to the political climate of any country, as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Discrimination is a difficult topic to deal with in all societies. As soon as you look for rights for one group, the danger is that the rights of another group will be curtailed in some way. The key is to begin thinking of all people as part of the human race, and then working out inequalities with that in mind.