Chapter 2 Diversity and Discrimination

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 dias	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	to speak with her daughter who had just returned from school.
(b) The boy who won the drawing competition went to the dias	on a wheelchair to collect his prize.
(c) One of the fastest athletes in the world	suffers from chronic asthma.
(d) She was not that well-off but had a dream	to become an astronaut which she did.

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 Yes the stereotype that girls are a burden on their parents affect the life of a daughter as they always feel that they are burden on their family which gives feeling of inferiority complex in them.The different effects of this type of thinking are :

(1) The girls always get improper diet.

(2) They are not sent to school for higher studies.

(3) They are engaged early in household works/chores.

(4) They are not allowed to go out and enjoy with friends.

(5) They are married early.

(6) They do not get proper love and care from their family.

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 Our Constitution say with regard to equality :

(1) State shall not discriminate against any citizen on the basis of religion, race, caste, sex, or region.

(2) All are equal in choosing the kind of work.

(3) All are equal to compete for government job.

(4) It is our right to be treated equally, given due respect and given equal opportunities.

(5) Untouchability is a crime and should be abolished.

It is very important for all people to be equal as this gives freedom to speak their language , celebrate their festivals and express themselves freely. We need equality so that we may go ahead without any hindrances. We may prove ourselves helpful in the development of the society and country.

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

(a) We should respect the background of others and should never tease a person because of his appearance.

(b) We should respect each and every religion and this will be strength.

(c) No one is superior and no one is inferior everyone is God’s Child.

(d) Our country is rich in different types of communities and every community is having its own language. We should respect them.

(e)  Everyone has its own physique  and talent i.e. some are good in sports , some are good in art , some are good in dance etc. We should not make fun of anyone if they cannot play sports.