Ethics and Discrimination

University of Phoenix Material

Appendix C

Part I

Define the following terms:

|Term |Definition |
|Discrimination |The denial of opportunities and equal rights to individuals and groups because of prejudice |
| |or for other arbitrary reasons. |
|Institutional discrimination |The denial of opportunities and equal rights to individuals and groups resulting from the |
| |normal operations of society. |
|Political correctness |The avoidance of forms of expressions or action that are perceived to exclude, marginalize, |
| |or insult certain groups of people. |

Part II

Write a 150- to 250-word response to each of the following questions:

• How is discrimination different from prejudice and stereotyping?

Discrimination hinders certain people or groups from prospering in life. They are unable to move forward because of the denial of opportunities or equal rights. Prejudice is defined as being a negative attitude toward an entire category of people, such as a racial or ethnic minority. Stereotyping is defined as being unreliable, exaggerated generalizations about all members of a group that do not take individual differences into account. In my opinion, discrimination is a result of someone being prejudice. It can also be a result of someone stereotyping. We have to remember that not every person is a particular culture, religion, race or nationality are alike. We all deserve a chance at our prosperity. Off the record, for the people that discriminate against others, I would love to put the shoe on the other foot for 1 week. I bet if they (discriminators) had to be discriminated against, they would have a whole new outlook on being that way!

• What are the causes of discrimination?

I think the root of discrimination is ignorance. We fear change and the unknown. To elaborate on that, I would say any difference in what someone calls “normal” causes fear. A number of things could cause this fear. These things could be a difference in race, age, social status, gender, background, religion. It could also be caused by someone’s efforts to maintain an advantage. A disability could cause discrimination. There are a number of causes of discrimination. Jealousy could be one of them. I think discrimination comes from someone’s mind and heart. Having more material possessions could be a reason discriminates against you. Someone may not like your hair or clothes or choice of perfume and automatically not like you. I say, give everyone a chance to prove themselves worthy of their constitutional rights and if they prove to be unworthy, we need to learn from our mistakes. We should not right off the bat dislike someone for no reason.

• How is discrimination faced by one identity group (race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, sexual orientation, age, or disability) the same as discrimination faced by another? How are they different?