Discrimination

Definition

Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals based on characteristics such as race, gender, sexual orientation, or social status. It often manifests in various forms, including social, economic, and political inequalities. Understanding discrimination is crucial as it highlights systemic issues that affect marginalized groups and shapes their experiences in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Discrimination can be both overt and covert, with some forms being easily identifiable while others are subtler and more insidious.
2. In literature, themes of discrimination often reflect the societal challenges faced by marginalized groups, illustrating the impacts on individuals and communities.
3. Southern Gothic literature frequently depicts the consequences of racial discrimination and its psychological effects on characters within a Southern setting.
4. LGBTQ+ literature sheds light on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity, showcasing personal struggles and societal challenges.
5. Both Southern Gothic and LGBTQ+ literature often use symbolism and character development to explore the themes of discrimination and its broader implications in society.

Review Questions

• How does discrimination manifest in Southern Gothic literature, and what effects does it have on the characters?
  • Discrimination in Southern Gothic literature often appears through themes of racial inequality, class disparity, and social hierarchy. Characters are frequently trapped by societal norms that reinforce prejudice, leading to internal conflicts and moral dilemmas. The setting itself becomes a character that reflects the haunting legacy of discrimination, illustrating how it shapes individual destinies and community dynamics.
• Analyze how LGBTQ+ literature addresses the theme of discrimination and its impact on identity formation.
  • LGBTQ+ literature tackles discrimination by portraying the struggles faced by characters who grapple with their identities in a society that may reject them. Authors often explore how external prejudice affects personal relationships, self-acceptance, and mental health. By giving voice to marginalized experiences, this literature fosters empathy and understanding while highlighting the resilience required to navigate a discriminatory world.
• Evaluate the role of intersectionality in understanding discrimination within both Southern Gothic and LGBTQ+ literature.
  • Intersectionality plays a crucial role in understanding discrimination as it reveals how various identities—such as race, gender, and sexual orientation—intersect to create unique experiences of oppression. In Southern Gothic literature, characters may face compounded discrimination due to their race and socioeconomic status. Similarly, in LGBTQ+ literature, intersectionality helps illuminate how different facets of identity influence the way individuals experience societal bias. This analysis encourages a more nuanced understanding of how systemic discrimination operates across diverse contexts.

Related terms

Prejudice: A preconceived opinion or judgment about an individual or group that is not based on reason or actual experience.

Marginalization:

The process by which certain groups are pushed to the edges of society and have less access to resources, opportunities, and rights.

Intersectionality: A framework for understanding how different social identities (such as race, gender, and class) intersect and contribute to unique experiences of discrimination and privilege.