Guyana: A country and culture of discrimination – Part III

By Mark DaCosta- In the last article – Part 2 of this series – the concept of institutional discrimination based on race was explored. While that form of discrimination is perpetrated by people in governmental power, many other forms of discrimination are practiced by others in the community who may not have any significant degree of power or class difference from the victims. This type of peer-discrimination is often subtle and may be based on various biases.

The following are some types of peer-discrimination.

Age.

This form of prejudice is most often directed against the elderly or against children. For example, whenever a mini-bus refuses to carry an older person or a child because of age, that is discrimination.

Disability.

This is often seen in Guyana in public transportation as well. It may be more subtle, though. All public buildings should be equipped with ramps to accommodate people who are confined to wheelchairs, for example. Unfortunately, this fact is too frequently overlooked.

Name.

A person’s name could indicate race, gender or other characteristics that could be the focus of discrimination. Recognising this fact, France became the first country in which it is illegal for someone reviewing the resumes of job applicants to see his or her name.

Nationality.

Some landlords do not rent their space to tenants based on their nationality or other perceived characteristics.

Religion.

A person could be disqualified for a promotion or a scholarship because of his or her religion.

Sex.

Discrimination based on whether one is male female is common in all spheres of life.

Sexual orientation or gender identity.

This form of discrimination is common in Guyana. In fact, this basis for prejudice may carry with it great risk of violence or other hatred-induced actions. For that reason, an article in this series – part 4 – will explore this subject exclusively.

All the manifestations of discrimination described here are commonly peer to peer actions, although they may be institutional. Regardless, they should all be condemned.

Such actions, no matter the origin nor circumstances usually deprive the victim of opportunities for educational advancement, career promotion, housing, and other basic human rights.

Amnesty International expresses the horrible nature of the problem as follows:

“Discrimination strikes at the very heart of being human. It is harming someone’s rights simply because of who they are or what they believe. Discrimination is harmful and perpetuates inequality. We all have the right to be treated equally, regardless of our race, ethnicity, nationality, class, caste, religion, belief, sex, gender, language, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex characteristics, age, health or other status. Yet all too often we hear heartbreaking stories of people who suffer cruelty simply for belonging to a “different” group.”

This brings us to the unacceptable conclusion that, all forms of discrimination violate the human rights of victims.

In later parts of this series, we will look at sex and gender based violations, we will examine reverse discrimination, and possible solutions will be sought.