In
universal terms, it is the
act of differential
treatment of an individual or group based on their
membership or
association with a particular
group. This
group does not have to be
official, or have any
physical component. In some cases, this group is
perceived.
Often this is seen in large form as
racism and
sexism -
legally/
politcally called
racial and
sexual discrimination. Other lesser-known (but just as
important) forms of discrimination are
based on
age,
creed,
religion and
your actions. This has given discrimination a
bad name, and
rightfully so.
Often it is linked to
stereotyping and
prejudice. However
please take note that discrimination is not
intrinsically
bad.
For instance, you can "discriminate" by hiring a
hard working person to
paint the fence of a
lazy bum. Is this a
bad thing?
Hell no!
With this knowledge you are
morally denied becoming a
redneck witch hunter ready to get the
tar and feathers out whenever somebody yells
discrimination. God knows I hate
action fuelled by ignorance.