Chapter 2 – Diversity and Discrimination

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Question 1:

Match the following statements in a way that challenges stereotypes.

a. Two surgeons were sitting down to lunch when one of them made a call on the mobile phone	1. suffers from chronic asthma.
b. The boy who won the drawing competition went to the dais	2. to become an astronaut which she did.
c. One of the fastest athletes in the world	3. to speak with her daughter who had just returned from school.
d. She was not that well-off but had a dream	4. on a wheelchair to collect his prize.

Answer:

a. Two surgeons were sitting down to lunch when one of them made a call on the mobile phone	3. to speak with her daughter who had just returned from school.
b. The boy who won the drawing competition went to the dais	4. on a wheelchair to collect his prize.
c. One of the fastest athletes in the world	1. suffers from chronic asthma.
d. She was not that well-off but had a dream	2. to become an astronaut which she did.

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Question 2:

How can the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affect the life of a daughter? Imagine this situation and list at least five different effects that this stereotype can have on the way daughters get treated in the house.

Answer:

The ways in which the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affects the life of a daughter:

(i) She does not have access to quality education.

(ii) She does not have access to proper healthcare and nutrition.

(iii) The chances of her becoming an independent and self-reliant individual are minimal.

(iv) Her morale and self respect as an individual are affected.

(v) It has now come to the point that she herself has begun to believe in the prejudices and stereotypes that have shaped her life so far.

Question 3:

What does the Constitution say with regard to equality? Why do you think it is important for all people to be equal?

Answer:

The framers of the Indian Constitution set out a vision in the Constitution to ensure that all the people of India are considered equal. This equality of all persons is seen as a key value that unites us all as Indians. Everyone has equal rights and opportunities. Untouchability is seen as a crime and has been legally abolished by law. People are free to choose the kind of work they wish to do. Government jobs are available to all people. In addition, the Constitution has also placed responsibility on the government to take specific steps to realise this right to equality for poor and other marginal communities.

It is important for all people to be equal because the right to equality is a birthright. All men and women are born free.

Question 4:

Sometimes people make prejudiced comments in our presence. We are often not in a position to do anything about this because it is difficult to say something right then and there. Divide the class into groups and each group discuss what they could do in one of the following situations:

(a) A friend begins to tease a classmate because he is poor.

(b) You are watching TV with your family and one of them makes a prejudicial comment about a particular religious community.

(c) Children in your class refuse to share their food with a particular person because they think she is dirty.

(d) Someone tells you a joke that makes fun of a community because of their accent.

(e) Some boys make remarks about girls not being able to play games as well as them.

Discuss in class what the different groups have suggested for the above situations, and also talk about the problems that can come up when raising the issue.

Answer:

Most of us would have come across one or the other situation mentioned in the question. After you have formed groups, ensure that each member of the group gets a chance to speak and that the discussion is carried out cordially. The most important part is for each group to reach a proper conclusion with respect to each situation.

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