multicultural Hot Words

Anti-discrimination...

Definition

Discrimination means treating someone unfairly because they happen to belong to or associate with a particular group of people.

Over the last fifty years or so, governments in many countries have passed laws and developed policies and programs to try to overcome the negative effects that discrimination can have on groups of people and individuals. These are referred to as anti-discrimination legislation, policies and programs.

What makes it hot?

Some people view anti-discrimination laws, policies and programs as a form of political correctness. They see policies that attempt to encourage participation of under-represented groups as unfair towards those not in those groups.

Such views are created when people cannot see the difference between treating people unequally and treating people unfairly.

It is sometimes necessary to provide extra support to particular people and groups so that they can participate fully in Australian society. The support may be unequal but the results are fair.

Date Added:

10 March 2002