I certainly do believe that discrimination is alive and well. In my opinion it comes in all versions and is not just the domain of one set of people, a specific race or sex, although I can empathize with people of color who have been discriminated upon for centuries while not forgetting even by their own race. However, what I am speaking to are the injustices served upon others by those who would exploit an opportunity because of those terrible issues and historical or political oppressions and discriminations of the past and today for their own personal gain. In my opinion this is also discrimination, but in reverse.
Today there are laws upon laws to protect minorities and those who have suffered wrongs historically and in systems of government and by business. Certainly, while laws are good they are not an end all. It really gets right down to the root of things - people. This brings me to what I feel is not addressed. It is when these opportunities are utilized by some to take advantage and bring harm to others who have not done anything other than their job, or followed what was presented to them. This charge is brought upon people for any number of reasons. It could be a person feels discrimination is the basis of an action these others have taken because of their race or sex or some other belief or characteristic. However, perhaps that action was not taken because of those reasons but because the person bringing the legal action has failed to live up to requirements and percieves incorrectly the actions of the other. Perhaps these pople who feel discriminated against lied, covered up, or have preformed actions detrimental to the organization? Another possibility could be when a worker is not rehired because they have not shown a demonstrated work ethic suitable to the company and have maintained a negative attitude while in the employ of that company and their performance has suffered. Then, one could ask rhetorically if that company should have every right not to rehire or pay damages to that person? That person initiated the negative action on their own. Their actions most likely should have been reflected in their reviews and they most likely were provided with sufficient time to correct the matter unless they left on their own and ignored. If this was written up and substantiated then they have no recourse at all unless they can prove their reviews were good and their not being rehired was for a reason related to them personally.
Yet, people when unable to face the reality that it could just very well be their choices seek to place the blame somewhere else and seek compensation they may have no moral right to even when there was no alternative to the action taken? Regretfully, that legal action usually entails remarks which indirectly or intentionally disparage, demean and even besmirch the character of others, bringing untold harm and consequences to all involved, in their pursuit of vindictiveness or justice, or whatever the reason for their action? I also sense an underlying attitude to stike back, as if this will somehow satisfy any hurt experienced?
Now certainly, as mentioned, I do believe there is discrimination. I myself have experienced it a number of jobs. I ask rhetorically if it is discrimination when companies blatantly refuses to hire or rehire someone, eligible for rehire, because they are considered old, or a potential medical liability, or for other reasons, even though that person has passed a physical and has been cleared to perform the functions of the position, and may even be eligible for rehire by that specific company? Also, is it not discrimination when you go to a company looking for work and the majority are one gender, one race, or national origin and a high majority speak a specific language and while you have all the qualifications for the position except you do not fit into any of those categories? Is it discrimination when you have over forty years of experience but no college degree and you are continually bypassed for someone with little to no experience but has a degree? One asks rhetorically if it should be considered fair that persons of one gender who may have have any number of children out of wedlock and are single has access to aide but others do not? Is it discrimination when persons who are not even citizens can get assistance for education, medical or financial aide and even jobs but citizens can’t find help and find it difficult to non existent? Certainly in any of these situations one could say there was discrimination. However, can it be proven legally? We are not talking morals or ethics.
I sum it up this way. When my grandparents came to this great land of opportunity they had little education but they learned the language of the country, took the “I - talian" jokes of the day and worked their way up through hard work and family values. My parents were laborers but they were honest hard working and when they lost a job they didn’t cry about it, they went out and got another and tried harder. They did not blame others and in most cases it was good for them to move along. When I was working my way up on Wall Street I heard the same jokes as well, and that was the early sixties, but I kept going and went from messenger to officer of a large Wall Street Financial Firm when there were few Italians at any bank at that level. I still hear the "mafia" jokes even today.
What matters in all of this is that you know it is true that in a persons heart of hearts, they know the truth about themselves and their actions. Oh yes, they may chose to ignore it in the present, but they will account for it later. So to these very same people who claim discrimination and who seek to use the laws for gain and an attack upon others, I say- look in the mirror and see the hate in you and bury it. See if you are truly making an honest effort, or are you using your situation because of your problems- percieved, self created or otherwise. I would suggest you think hard and long about everything, and if necessary you find the problem may be within you, then make any corrections in that opinion of yourself before you take action. Realize you are special and can do it, and don’t seek to ever look back. Use that injustice for a real victory- your success!
However, if you can truly state you were wronged and feel that way, then you are entitled to right that injustice for your sake and on the behalf of others who may have been wronged in the same manner. Just remember, usually with law suits no one comes out a winner but the lawyers and keep in mind that usually your reputation will follow regardless if that is right or wrong or that their are laws to protect. However, that's an entire other article.
Robert T. Melaccio Sr. Copyright ©2005 Robert Melaccio |
