Discrimination: Forms and Inequality
Often discrimination takes various forms, and it may be based on either of the following; race, skin color, origin, ethnicity, religion, age, and gender among other factors. Discrimination is considered as a form of inequality as it disadvantages an individual based on either of the above grounds. The US constitution provides that every human being has the right to dignity. Therefore, all human beings should be treated with respect and dignity. Nonetheless, discrimination on sex basis as discussed in the scholarly work below is prevalent in most of the social settings in the US.
Men & Sexism
Over the years, a precedent has been set that supports prejudice against men, and that purports that men are superior to women. However, men in several instances are facing discrimination entirely based on their gender. The Succession laws and common law case laws aver that alimony is provided to the man after a divorce course. Courts and other judicial tribunals disadvantage men without substantive consideration of the facts (Crenshaw et al., 2018). Men in most instances are directed to pay maintenance costs to their former spouses irrespective of whether the lady is capable of supporting herself successfully (Russell et al., 2016). The courts are also ignorant of the state of the man economically as they expect full compliance with the alimony orders (Crenshaw et al., 2018). Also, in divorce cases, men are rarely granted custody of the children despite having an equal right. The above instances in the judicial system have been cited as promoting discrimination against men by their gender.
Everyone’s Benefit
Most societal societies are socialized to discriminate women. Consequently, women can only engage in specific set roles and responsibilities. Despite the patriarchal societal setting, women have over the years fought for their right to equal treatment. Gradually, societies around the world have recognized women to be equal to men. Due to the effort, the US constitution provides for affirmative action (Russell et al., 2016). It is therefore essential for men to learn from the struggle by women in the fight against sexism.
Personal experience and Advice
Affirmative action measures have led to discrimination against men. Though progressive, the provisions create more opportunities for women in place of men (Russell et al., 2016). I once failed to secure a job though I was the most competent and experienced applicant and the vacancy were given to a lady entirely on the basis of affirmative action. Prima facie the measure is altogether political (Clatterbaugh, 2018). Therefore, both men and women should be given similar opportunities.
Conclusion
Sexism is a vice that breaches an individual's right to dignity. It amounts to the violation of a fundamental human right, and for that reason reforms should be adopted to counter the emerging and existing discrimination based on sex.
References
Clatterbaugh, K. (2018). Contemporary perspectives on masculinity: Men, women, and politics in modern society. Routledge.
Crenshaw, K. W., Delgado, R., Matsuda, M. J., & Lawrence, C. R. (2018). Introduction. In Words that wound (pp. 1-15). Routledge.
https://www.theatlantic.com/sexes/archive/2013/05/when-men-experience-sexism/276355/
Russell, B. L., & Oswald, D. (2016). When Sexism Cuts Both Ways: Predictors of Tolerance of Sexual Harassment of Men. Men and Masculinities, 19(5), 524-544.
