Minority Meaning
Minority Definition & Usage
A group of people that is smaller in number compared to the larger population, often distinguished by ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics.
Examples
- "The indigenous population in the region is a minority and faces discrimination."
- "In the city, the immigrant community represents a minority but has a significant influence."
- "Women are still a minority in many high-tech industries."
- "The Jewish population in the country is a religious minority."
- "The government has put policies in place to protect the rights of minority groups."
A small portion or lesser part of something, not necessarily referring to social or ethnic groups.
Examples
- "Only a minority of the class showed up for the early lecture."
- "A minority of people voted against the new law."
- "The minority of the team's members were in favor of the proposed changes."
- "The minority of the population holds radical views."
- "In the meeting, a minority spoke in favor of the project."
Cultural Context
The term 'minority' is widely used in sociological, political, and cultural contexts to refer to groups that differ from the majority in terms of ethnicity, religion, gender, or other characteristics. The term carries with it significant social implications, often highlighting power dynamics, rights issues, and the need for protection and representation. Historically, minorities have often faced challenges such as discrimination and exclusion, leading to movements advocating for their rights and equality.
The Voice of the Minority
Story
The Voice of the Minority
Maria stood on the steps of the old city hall, looking out over the crowd gathered for the protest. As the only representative from a small community, she knew her presence was a statement. Her people, the indigenous group of the region, were often overlooked in conversations about development and progress, yet their history stretched back centuries. 'You're representing the minority today,' her father had told her before she left for the protest. 'Remember, your voice is small, but it carries weight.' He had always said that. Maria often wondered if that was true. She wasn't sure how much a single voice could matter when the majority didn't seem to listen. But today felt different. Today, the streets were filled with people from all walks of life, some rallying for climate justice, others for gender equality, and many, like Maria, fighting for the rights of minorities. As the protest marched down the street, she found herself standing beside people she had never met but with whom she shared a common cause. 'Look around you,' a fellow protestor, a woman in her late thirties, said. 'We may be a minority in numbers, but we're not alone.' Maria nodded. It was true. Even though her group was small in comparison to the city's population, the support they had garnered in recent years had grown stronger. Later that afternoon, as the speeches continued, Maria felt a sense of pride swelling inside her. When she took the microphone to speak, she began with words that her father had once shared with her. 'We may be a minority in this city, but we are the foundation of its history,' she said. 'We will be heard, and we will not be silenced.' Her speech was met with applause, and for the first time, Maria felt as though the weight of her community's struggle was being acknowledged. The crowd was listening. It was a small victory, but for the minority, every small victory counted. As she walked home later, Maria reflected on the day’s events. Being a minority in a world that often favored the majority was challenging, but it also carried with it a responsibility. A responsibility to speak up, to ensure that every voice, no matter how small, had a chance to be heard. For Maria, the fight had just begun, but today, it felt like the minority had finally made a difference.
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