What is the difference between stereotype and discrimination for Class 6?

Everyone has different beliefs, experiences, abilities, appearances and more. However, certain people and groups are more likely to experience stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination.

They may be targeted because of their:

• abilities
• age
• economic status
• ethnicity and/or race
• gender identity or expression
• national origin
• physical appearance
• religion
• sexual orientation
• etc.

Stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination often come from:

• inequalities in society
• ideas learned about other people/groups from family members, friends and/or the media
• not spending a lot of time with people who are different from you in some way
• not being open to different ideas and ways of living

A stereotype means assuming that a group of people who share some characteristics also share certain attributes. In other words, when someone assumes something about you because of one part of your identity. Stereotypes are often:

• negatively impactful
• overly simplistic
• dangerous
• unfair

Prejudice is when someone has a belief (usually negative) about a person or group based on a stereotype. The belief is usually based on a person’s membership (or assumed membership) in a certain group. Prejudice also divides people based on stereotypes. Examples include:

• Ableism: negative attitudes based on physical and/or mental abilities.
• Cissexism: negative attitudes toward people who don’t identify with the sex they were assigned at birth.
• Homophobia: negative attitudes toward members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
• Racism: negative attitudes based on race, ethnicity and/or culture.
• Sexism: negative attitudes based on gender identity, gender expression and/or sex assigned at birth.
• Xenophobia: negative attitudes based on national origin/country.

Discrimination is when someone acts on their prejudiced beliefs. It can also be systemic, like the policies and practices put in place to assimilate First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. Examples of discrimination include:

• a manager promoting a cisgender employee over a transgender employee whose performance is stronger
• a racialized youth being monitored without cause while shopping in a store
• a health-care provider refusing to treat/diagnose a patient who is part of a particular racial/ethnic group

People may experience mental ill-health and other challenges as a result of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. People who are the targets of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination may:

• have low self-esteem
• experience mental disorders such as anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• begin to believe negative stereotypes about themselves
• experience intergenerational trauma
• feel like they lack control of their own life
• experience issues at school and/or work (e.g. bullying, harassment, etc.)
• start to lose hope in the future
• experience loneliness and isolation
• feel like they’re unable to trust others
• experience physical effects (e.g. trouble sleeping, etc.)

You can help reduce stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination. Here are some ways you can take a stand:

• reflect on your own ideas and actions to see if you have prejudiced attitudes or act in discriminatory ways (either on purpose or unintentionally)
• don’t laugh at jokes that are based on stereotypes
• refuse to watch movies, read books, play video games or participate in activities promoting negative attitudes toward certain groups of people
• challenge peers/family who express prejudiced beliefs, if it’s safe to do so (you could share this article with them as a starting point)
• support organizations that help address the root causes and effects of stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination

If you have questions about stereotypes, prejudice or discrimination, you can talk to a safe adult for support.

Ans. Ways in which persons with special needs are discriminated are:

                               i.        They are discriminated at work, and when providing goods, facilities and services.

                              ii.        Children with disability are harassed by making jokes about their disability.

                            iii.        They are treated less favorably in many spheres of life because of their disability. 

Ans. Discrimination happens when people act on their prejudices or stereotypes. If we do something to put other people down, if we stop them from taking part in certain activities and taking up jobs, or stop them from living in certain neighbourhoods, prevent them from taking water from the same well or hand pump, or not allow them to drink tea in the same cups or glasses as others, we are discriminating against them.

Ans. The stationmaster was quite sure they were Brahmin children and was extremely touched at the plight in which he found them. But when he blurted out that they were Mahars, stationmaster was stunned and his face underwent a sudden change. As soon as he heard his reply, he went away to his room and they stood where they were. There were many bullock-carts plying for hire. But his reply to the station master that they were Mahars had gone round among the cart men and not one of them was prepared to suffer being polluted and to demean himself carrying passengers of the untouchable classes.

Ans. Tribals, some religious groups and even particular regions, are discriminated against for one or more of these reasons.

Few other examples of discrimination:

i.             They are not allowed to enter the homes of the upper castes.

ii.            They are not allowed to take water from the village well

iii.          They are not supposed to enter temples.

iv.          Their children could not sit next to children of other castes in school.

Ans. Difference between discrimination and stereotypes

Ans. With regard to equality, Constitution said that

                                i.        Untouchability is seen as a crime and has been legally abolished by law.

                              ii.        People are free to choose the kind of work they wish to do.

                            iii.        Government jobs are open to all people.

In addition, the Constitution also placed responsibility on the government to take specific steps to realise this right to equality for poor and other such marginal communities.

It is important for all people to be equal so that they can follow their religion, speak their language, celebrate their festivals and express themselves freely.

Ans. While the male children are considered an asset to the family, the female children are considered a burden to the parents.

This stereotype affects the life a daughter in the following way:

                         i.        Many girls are not even allowed to go to school.

                        ii.        Those who get chance to study may not concentrate on their studies as they are being discouraged.

                       iii.        They are deprived of their parents’ attention even when they fall sick.

                       iv.        Since their childhood to their marriage, they are considered as a temporary member of the family.

                         v.        Even after marriage they are subject to exploitation.

Ans.

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