What is discrimination?

Discrimination is treating someone unequally. For instance, because of their skin color, age or sexual
preference. As a matter of fact, Discrimination is excluding people because of charactistics that
shouldn’t matter.

Some examples of “discrimination”:

1.For people with disabilities in Iran, sidewalks and crosswalks, subway station, cash machines and other
basic services are rarely accessible, difficult and dangerous to navigate.

2.Clearly, you shouldn’t be refused entry to a club because of the color of your skin. (Sex education
series)

3.Any should be able to rent a home, whether they are gay or wear a headscarf.

Is treating people differently always DISCRIMINATION?

No some characteristics do matter. It is okay for an employer to choose between job applicants. For
instance, because of what they studied. A doctor obviously needs the right qualifications.

BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T GET THE JOB BECAUSE OF YOUR FACE OR SKIN COLOR?

Well that is discrimination!

Sometimes discrimination is very unwelcome. Think of neighbors shouting that they don’t want
foreigners in their street (Neighbors movie!!!)

BUT sometimes people make up excuses to shut out particular groups. An employer may reject an
applicant because they “don’t fit the team” or the “internship’s been filled”.

For example: The bouncer at the club may claim it’s a private party. Proving that this is discrimination
can be tricky!

In short, discrimination comes in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes it is voiced and visible but sometimes it
is hidden and hard to prove!

In each country people that are very different live together. Banning discrimination based on those
differences is an important basis for an open, democratic society. It means everyone is equal before the
law and has equal rights.

Being excluded and discriminated is also damaging for the whole of society!

Tensions can develop between people or, because certain groups are shut out, opportunities maybe
lost, both for them and rest of society, that’s why it is important that everyone is equal before the law.

So whether applying for a job or a house or trying to pass driving license or other qualification no one
should be unfairly turned down!

Don’t you wear hijab? Is your skin black, white or in between?

This should and must not matter, because we are not all the same but WE ARE ALL EQUAL!