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Depends what you mean by "discriminated" since it's often hard to prove. In many cases, one only assumes he or she is being discriminated against because of past experiences that have increased his sensitivity level. Granted many people deal with racism and bigotry all the time, but I can name several situations in which a minority cried racism and it just wasn't true. Sometimes people just don't like you! (or me) However, anyone who says Blacks aren't discriminated against is naive. I worked for a big corporation for over 21 years and they never once hired a Black salesperson. Still, since there is nothing I can do about it, I am opposed to Affirmative Action and the reverse discrimination it creates.
There are also situations that call for a certain type, but it doesn't mean it's your religion, gender or race, only that you don't fit the image. Example, I am not a Supermodel on the cover of Sports Illustrated because I'm not a hot, young, sexy woman with a perfect body. One of the biggest industries that discriminates is the entertainment world. That's just part of life!
Regarding my personal experiences - does blonde count? Seriously, I disagree that female isn't a minority, because often a woman is the only female in a factory or office. I've been in a situation where I had to act like "just one of the boys" and tolerate unacceptable behavior.
I can also tell you dozens of stories about the anti-Semitism I experienced. Even when I was a little girl, my best friend called me a Dirty Jew when I told her I couldn't share my bus tickets with her any more. She obviously heard those words at home. Once I sold a lot of expensive furniture to a man. I had introduced myself as Nancy, so when he saw my last name on my card (my married name at that time) he said "If I knew you were a f***ing Jew I wouldn't have bought all this furniture." True story.
Sometimes I know I'm discriminated against because of my age, since many people prefer hiring younger employees. Again, unless someone comes right out and says "we don't want you because.." we never really know who simply doesn't think you are qualified and who is being prejudiced.
Depends what you mean by "discriminated" since it's often hard to prove. In many cases, one only assumes he or she is being discriminated against because of past experiences that have increased his sensitivity level. Granted many people deal with racism and bigotry all the time, but I can name several situations in which a minority cried racism and it just wasn't true. Sometimes people just don't like you! (or me) However, anyone who says Blacks aren't discriminated against is naive. I worked for a big corporation for over 21 years and they never once hired a Black salesperson. Still, since there is nothing I can do about it, I am opposed to Affirmative Action and the reverse discrimination it creates.
There are also situations that call for a certain type, but it doesn't mean it's your religion, gender or race, only that you don't fit the image. Example, I am not a Supermodel on the cover of Sports Illustrated because I'm not a hot, young, sexy woman with a perfect body. One of the biggest industries that discriminates is the entertainment world. That's just part of life!
Regarding my personal experiences - does blonde count? Seriously, I disagree that female isn't a minority, because often a woman is the only female in a factory or office. I've been in a situation where I had to act like "just one of the boys" and tolerate unacceptable behavior.
I can also tell you dozens of stories about the anti-Semitism I experienced. Even when I was a little girl, my best friend called me a Dirty Jew when I told her I couldn't share my bus tickets with her any more. She obviously heard those words at home. Once I sold a lot of expensive furniture to a man. I had introduced myself as Nancy, so when he saw my last name on my card (my married name at that time) he said "If I knew you were a f***ing Jew I wouldn't have bought all this furniture." True story.
Sometimes I know I'm discriminated against because of my age, since many people prefer hiring younger employees. Again, unless someone comes right out and says "we don't want you because.." we never really know who simply doesn't think you are qualified and who is being prejudiced.
To those who have asked me to elaborate on my question, well, I don't think I'm interested in doing that. I guess I didn't realize how subjective the definition of discrimination is. At first, I was disappointed to see that nearly everyone claims to have felt discrimination, but after thinking about it, maybe I'm glad that they do. It maybe brings us together a little more.
On the other hand, I've seen time and time again how being a minority doesn't translate into having empathy for another minority. We're all selfish to a certain extent, and if we've got what we need in life, it takes some effort to empathize with others who feel like they're not being treated fairly.
The moderators can close this topic, for all I care.
To those who have asked me to elaborate on my question, well, I don't think I'm interested in doing that. I guess I didn't realize how subjective the definition of discrimination is. At first, I was disappointed to see that nearly everyone claims to have felt discrimination, but after thinking about it, maybe I'm glad that they do. It maybe brings us together a little more.
On the other hand, I've seen time and time again how being a minority doesn't translate into having empathy for another minority. We're all selfish to a certain extent, and if we've got what we need in life, it takes some effort to empathize with others who feel like they're not being treated fairly.
The moderators can close this topic, for all I care.
You sound disappointed. I think it was a good thread & I'm not sure why only 2 people I believe provided examples of discrimination that they themselves have gone thru. If you think you've been discriminated against, why not provide examples?
Atheists are one of the most despised minorities in the USA.
This is true. I won't say I've been discriminated against for being an atheist, however I've certainly had my fair share of strangers & co-workers telling me they feel sorry for me, I'll change my mind, everyone needs something to believe in, yada yada yada, to my face.
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Seriously, I disagree that female isn't a minority, because often a woman is the only female in a factory or office. I've been in a situation where I had to act like "just one of the boys" and tolerate unacceptable behavior.
Do you belong to any minority group that has faced widespread discrimination?
