Diversity and Discrimination

Q31. Discuss the ways in which persons with special needs might be subject to discrimination.

Ans. Ways in which persons with special needs are discriminated are:

                               i.        They are discriminated at work, and when providing goods, facilities and services.

                              ii.        Children with disability are harassed by making jokes about their disability.

                            iii.        They are treated less favorably in many spheres of life because of their disability. 

Q32. How does discrimination happen?

Ans. Discrimination happens when people act on their prejudices or stereotypes. If we do something to put other people down, if we stop them from taking part in certain activities and taking up jobs, or stop them from living in certain neighbourhoods, prevent them from taking water from the same well or hand pump, or not allow them to drink tea in the same cups or glasses as others, we are discriminating against them.

Q33. How did people at the station discriminate against Dr Ambedkar and his brothers?

Ans. The stationmaster was quite sure they were Brahmin children and was extremely touched at the plight in which he found them. But when he blurted out that they were Mahars, stationmaster was stunned and his face underwent a sudden change. As soon as he heard his reply, he went away to his room and they stood where they were. There were many bullock-carts plying for hire. But his reply to the station master that they were Mahars had gone round among the cart men and not one of them was prepared to suffer being polluted and to demean himself carrying passengers of the untouchable classes.

Q34. In addition to the lower castes being discriminated against, there are also various other communities that are subject to discrimination. Can you think of a few other examples of discrimination?

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

Few other examples of discrimination:

i.             They are not allowed to enter the homes of the upper castes.

ii.            They are not allowed to take water from the village well

iii.          They are not supposed to enter temples.

iv.          Their children could not sit next to children of other castes in school.

Q35. What is the difference between discrimination and stereotypes?

Ans. Difference between discrimination and stereotypes

Q36. What does the Constitution say with regard to equality? Why do you think it is important for all people to be equal?

Ans. With regard to equality, Constitution said that

                                i.        Untouchability is seen as a crime and has been legally abolished by law.

                              ii.        People are free to choose the kind of work they wish to do.

                            iii.        Government jobs are open to all people.

In addition, the Constitution also placed responsibility on the government to take specific steps to realise this right to equality for poor and other such marginal communities.

It is important for all people to be equal so that they can follow their religion, speak their language, celebrate their festivals and express themselves freely.

Q37. How can the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affect the life of a daughter? Imagine this situation and list at least five different effects that this stereotype can have on the way daughters get treated in the house.

Ans. While the male children are considered an asset to the family, the female children are considered a burden to the parents.

This stereotype affects the life a daughter in the following way:

                         i.        Many girls are not even allowed to go to school.

                        ii.        Those who get chance to study may not concentrate on their studies as they are being discouraged.

                       iii.        They are deprived of their parents’ attention even when they fall sick.

                       iv.        Since their childhood to their marriage, they are considered as a temporary member of the family.

                         v.        Even after marriage they are subject to exploitation.

Q38. Match the following statements in a way that challenges stereotypes.

Ans.