Discrimination Meaning
Discrimination Definition & Usage
The unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially based on race, age, gender, or other characteristic.
Examples
- "Many people still face discrimination based on their gender or ethnicity in the workplace."
- "Despite the laws against discrimination, there are still subtle biases in hiring practices."
- "The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s was a response to racial discrimination in the United States."
- "The company has been accused of discrimination against older employees in favor of younger candidates."
- "Discrimination on the basis of religion is illegal in most democratic countries."
The ability to distinguish or differentiate between different things or categories, especially in a nuanced or discerning way.
Examples
- "A good artist shows great discrimination in choosing the right colors for their work."
- "The ability to discriminate between different kinds of music is a skill developed over time."
- "He has a strong sense of discrimination when it comes to picking quality wines."
- "Her discrimination of subtle differences in flavor made her an excellent chef."
- "The critic's discrimination in reviewing art was evident in the depth of his analysis."
Cultural Context
Discrimination, in the context of social and legal issues, has been a significant part of global conversations about human rights and equality. The concept of discrimination in this sense is deeply tied to historical movements such as the Civil Rights Movement in the U.S. or the women's suffrage movement, as well as contemporary issues surrounding racial, gender, and disability equality.
The Taste of Inequality
Story
The Taste of Inequality
In a small town nestled between rolling hills, a prestigious wine tasting competition was held every year. It was known for its refined atmosphere, where only those with 'discrimination'—an expert ability to distinguish subtle differences in taste—were invited. But this year, things had changed. The judge, Samuel, was a man of great distinction, respected not only for his skill in wine-tasting but also for his unwavering belief in equality. When the competition began, it was clear that some of the participants, particularly younger entrants, were being given preferential treatment by the older judges, despite their lack of experience. One of the younger judges, Lara, had seen enough. As she took her turn to assess the wines, she stood up and announced that the competition should not just be about taste, but about fairness. She spoke out against the subtle discrimination she had witnessed all afternoon—favoritism based on age, race, and social connections. Her voice echoed through the hall, shaking the foundations of the event. In the end, the competition took on a new meaning. It was no longer just about tasting wine but about ensuring everyone had an equal opportunity to participate. Lara's stand against discrimination had not only transformed the event but had also set a precedent for how competitions—and indeed life—should be approached: with fairness and the ability to distinguish not just wine, but humanity.
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