Have you done any of the following?
You hear people speaking with an accent – and think to yourself they don’t belong. You meet someone of a different faith – and criticize them for their beliefs. You see a person from a different race at camp – and assume that everyone of that race is less capable or hardworking than you are. You share with your friends unfavorable stereotypes of groups with different identities than yours.
These are examples of discrimination.
Discrimination is individual or group behavior that starts with prejudicial beliefs that members of another group of people – the “disfavored group” – are inferior due to one or more aspects of their identities. Prejudicial beliefs, by definition, are unfair and unreasonable, based on unfounded stereotypes and driven by the desire to favor a different group of people – the “favored group.” Applying these beliefs to discriminate against the disfavored group results in real economic, educational and aspirational disadvantages for that group’s members.
There are many identities which can be targeted for discrimination: religion, gender, sexual orientation, race, age, nationality, ethnicity and disability, to name just a few. History is full of examples of discrimination against these groups. And the results are real disadvantages and power imbalances that can grow over time.
There are many ways to try to reduce discrimination and mitigate its effects. While attention is most often directed to laws forbidding discrimination in employment, housing, and voting rights, those are not the sole sources of efforts to end discrimination.
In this piece, we want to focus on ways that each one of us, as individuals, can make a difference and help to reduce discrimination. Doing so will honor our obligation under the Scout Oath to “help other people at all times.”
First, it’s important to evaluate critically our own attitudes and behaviors of the types identified at the start of this piece. Although these may be unintentional or subconscious behaviors, they nonetheless reveal an inappropriate bias.
How can each of us unlearn behaviors like those and respect one another? Here are some ways:
Recognize the underlying stereotypes and reject them as false.
- Stop focusing on differences and focus on what we all have in common. We all want to feel that we belong.
- Get outside our comfort zones and learn from people around us who come from different backgrounds and have different skills and interests.
- Let go of the tendency to judge others.
- Let go of the need to see ourselves as “better” than someone else.
- Encourage each other.
Second, we can step up to reject discrimination by others when we see it. We can speak out to reject discrimination and uphold the values of inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility (IDEA). In short, we can be Upstanders, as we discussed in our IDEA Committee’s piece from last month. [1]
Third, we can expand our horizons by learning about and experiencing others’ values, beliefs, abilities, and customs. That insight will broaden our perspective and who we are as individuals. It will make us better citizens in the process.
By taking these steps, we are observing the Scout Law’s directive to be Helpful, Friendly, Courteous and Kind.
By Betsy Uzzell and Ken Morrison, with editing by Alan Sanders and Howard Prager
The Northeast Illinois Council’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee shares information and experiences that support the council’s commitment to bringing in and including Scouts and Scouters from diverse backgrounds and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to belong. If you would like to join the IDEA Committee, contact Ken Morrison, VP of IDEA, at kpmtroop5@gmail.com.
[1] Be An Upstander, Not A Bystander