In a world that frequently celebrates diversity, many people are still facing discrimination. Modern societies lack true inclusivity. Whether it’s through vague prejudices or systemic obstacles, a non-inclusive society leads people to feel sidelined and powerless. The question is, what can we do in order to combat discrimination?
Society should be a place where people can all feel valued, respected and seen no matter where you’re from or who you are. However, there are many groups of people, such as latinos, people of color and other communities, that people are merely tolerant of, not inclusive. People have a certain “tolerance” towards these groups but they don’t have full participation in economic, social and other aspects within the country. Oftentimes, those communities are swimming in a society that does not embrace nor recognize their identities and contributions.
For instance, creating an inclusive society requires more than just ideas. People need to act. Action is needed from institutions, the people and the government itself. Above all, we need to address the structural inequality that these groups often face in schools, housing, healthcare systems and between others.
In order to address this issue, the government should start by recognizing and pulling apart these structures. Whether by raising fair housing programs, giving enough opportunities to access to education, among others that are necessary. The government should lead a program to increase the funding to help these communities in many different aspects. Not just that, but we need to ensure that these marginalized communities are represented in the media, because seeing leaders that look just like them increases their sense of belonging and encourages them to chase their dreams without being held back by stereotypes. We should work together to include Latinos, Asians, African Americans voices, etc., in decision making. This would ensure that policies are created by a diversity of lawmakers who truly represent their constituents.
The second question is, what is causing discrimination in America? According to the Amnesty International Discrimination article, this issue is caused by “prejudices based on concepts of identity, and the need to identify with a certain group. This can lead to division, hatred and even the dehumanization of other people because they have a different identity.”
It doesn’t make sense to exclude people, when everybody is human and has the same rights no matter what they do, who they are or how they identify. It doesn’t make sense to create tensions along lines of race, gender or sexuality. What predomines is that we hear and think but don’t accept.
America needs change and growth, but if any change is to take place, people have to start with themselves. Change the way you see the world, change the way you act and teach others. Be the change you want in the world. Be the person that you want to interact with. Talk to people the way you want to be talked to. Treat people the way you want to be treated.
Written by Valery Ramirex
Graphic by Sabrina Solares