Diversity and

Discrimination
Bivan Chand
Grade 6

What is Diversity & Discrimination?

Diversity is the product of different geography, culture, and history. Diversity

means variety and being different.

Discrimination is when someone is treated worse because of gender, race,

disability, colour, nationality, religion, and age

We all are different, which makes each one of us unique.

What do you mean by Difference and Prejudice?

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Difference is the variation in the use of language, status, religion, educational

background or geographical setting. Prejudice is an idea with negative feelings for those
who are different from us.

Eight major religions of the world are practiced in India and there are 1600
languages as people’s mother tongues and a hundred dance forms. However, this
diversity is not always celebrated, the reason being people are more comfortable with
those that look, dress, and think like them.

They may consider people who are different as strange or unfamiliar. They may have a
preconceived idea about these people. One stereotype is considering villagers as
ignorant and people in cities as money-minded and lazy.

Prejudice means to judge other people negatively or see them as inferior. We can
be prejudiced about many things: people’s religious beliefs, the colour of their skin, the
region they come from, the accent they speak in, the clothes they wear, and more.

Owing to prejudices about others, we don’t want to form friendships with them
and may even act in ways that hurt them.

Creating stereotypes

When we fix people into one image we create a stereotype. Saying that those who
belong to a particular country, religion, sex, race, or economic background are “stingy,”
“lazy,” “criminal” or “dumb,” is using stereotypes. A common stereotype is that girls
should not pursue education, which is totally wrong.
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As children grow up, boys and girls are taught to do certain types of tasks.

These are based on certain types of stereotype images. It means to fix people into one
particular image.

There are stringy and generous people everywhere, in every country, religion, group
whether rich or poor, male or female. Stereotypes stop us from looking at each person
as a unique individual with his or her own special qualities and skills that are different
from others.

Inequality and discrimination

If you do something to put other people down, if you stop them from taking part in
certain activities, you are discriminating against them.

Discrimination happens when people act on their prejudices or stereotypes.

Discrimination can take place because of several reasons.

Caste Discrimination

Groups of people who may speak a certain language, follow a particular religion,
live in specific regions, etc. may be discriminated against as their customs or practices
may be seen as inferior.
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People may suffer discrimination on economic or social grounds. Tribal, some

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

On Being Discriminated Against

People are engaged in certain types of occupations. Certain kinds of jobs are more
valued than others.

Caste rules were set which did not allow the so-called untouchables to take on work,
other than what they were meant to do.

Dr Ambedkar suffered discrimination when he was only of nine years in school.

He emerged as the pioneer of the rights of Dalits. He believed the Dalits must
fight against the caste system

Striving for Equality

When India became a nation in 1947 our leaders too were concerned about the
different kinds of inequalities that existed.

Writers of the Constitution of India (a document that laid out the rules by which
the nation would function) were aware of the ways in which discrimination had been
practised in our society and how people had struggled against this.
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Many leaders of these struggles such as Dr Ambedkar had also fought for the
rights of the Dalits. So these leaders set out a vision and goals in the Constitution to
ensure that all the people of India were considered equal.

Some of the members who wrote the constitution of India.

This equality of all persons is seen as a key-value that unites us all as Indians.
The Constitution placed responsibility on the government to take specific steps to
realize this right to equality for poor and other such marginal communities.

They believed that respect for diversity was a significant element in ensuring
equality. They said that the government must treat all religions equally and no one
language, religion or festival should become compulsory for all to follow.

Therefore, India became a secular country, where people of different religions

and faiths have the freedom to practice and follow their religion without any fear of
discrimination.

Though these ideals are enshrined in our Constitution, inequalities exist even
today.

Because no one language, religion or festival should become compulsory for all
to follow.

Because people of different religions and faiths should have the freedom to
practice and follow their religion without any fear of discrimination.
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Questions

Q.1. What problems are created by the stereotypes?

Ans: Stereotypes create the following problems:They stop us from looking at

each person as a unique person. They prefer their special qualities and not of others.
They fit large number of people in one pattern or type. They prevent us from doing
certain things.

Q.2. How do we discriminate some persons from others?

Ans: We discriminate some persons from others by doing the following activities:

We do something to put others down.

We stop them from taking part in certain activities.

We prevent them from taking up jobs.

We stop them from living in certain localities or neighbourhoods.

We prevent them from taking water from the same well or pump.

We do not allow persons taking tea in the same cup or glass as others.
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Q.3 What are the major problems of the poor?

Ans: Problems of the poor people: They cannot meet their basic needs of food,
clothing, and shelter. They are discriminated in offices, in hospitals, in schools, etc. They
are treated badly everywhere they go.

1. Question: What is diversity?

Answer: Diversity refers to the differences and variety among people, including
differences in culture, ethnicity, religion, language, gender, and abilities.

Notes: Diversity is what makes each person unique and valuable. It enriches our
communities and helps us learn from one another.

2. Question: Define discrimination.

Answer: Discrimination is treating someone unfairly or differently based on

characteristics such as race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or disability.

Notes: Discrimination can take many forms, including exclusion, prejudice,

stereotyping, and unequal treatment. It is harmful and can lead to inequality and
injustice.

3. Question: How can we promote diversity in our community?

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Answer: We can promote diversity by respecting and appreciating people's

differences, learning about different cultures, traditions, and customs, and actively
including everyone regardless of their background.

Notes: Promoting diversity involves creating inclusive environments where everyone

feels valued and respected. It requires open-mindedness, empathy, and a willingness to
challenge stereotypes and biases.

4. Question: Why is it important to celebrate diversity?

Answer: Celebrating diversity helps foster understanding, tolerance, and acceptance

among people from different backgrounds. It promotes equality and social cohesion,
leading to stronger and more harmonious communities.

Notes: By celebrating diversity, we recognize the richness of human experience and

the contributions of people from diverse backgrounds. It allows us to embrace our
differences and build a more inclusive society.

Summary:

"Diversity and Discrimination" is a chapter that explores the importance of embracing

diversity and combating discrimination in society. Diversity refers to the differences
among people, including cultural, ethnic, religious, and linguistic differences.
Discrimination, on the other hand, involves treating people unfairly based on their
characteristics or differences. To promote diversity, it is essential to respect and
appreciate everyone's uniqueness, learn about different cultures, and create inclusive
environments where everyone feels valued and respected. Celebrating diversity fosters
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understanding, tolerance, and acceptance, leading to stronger communities and a more

inclusive society.