QotW [5-04-03]: Discrimination

[Christina]

Originally posted by M. Krass

So, to elaborate further, where do we draw the line where discrimination is concerned? If the KKK wanted to bring FIRST to two dozen white children in Mississippi, but would only do so by the conscious exemption of black children, is that acceptable? If a church sponsored a team but excluded Buddhists? If a Boy Scout troop sponsored a team but excluded gays and women? In each of these examples, there doesn't seem to be any logical reason to exclude another group based on their ability and potential to accomplish the same things and benefit in the same ways as any others.

Alright, if the KKK wanted to have a FIRST team that discriminated against black children, even though it wouldn't be something I necessarily agreed with, it is their money and they can choose to do whatever they want with it. Would it be fair to those 2 dozen white children to take away their chance at a FIRST team? Same thing with all those other examples you listed. It is their money, and their choice to spend it as they please.

Look at scholarships. There are scholarships that are based on gender and race, even sexuality, which aren't viewed as "wrong." But, really, what's the difference? You are then discriminating against people who aren't eligible.

I'm not saying that discrimination is right, but it does happen. There is definitely a very fine line and it's not always easy to see. Just remember though, discrimination works both ways.