Civics Chapter 02: Diversity and Discrimination

Sometimes when we meet people who are very different from us we may find them strange and unfamiliar. Prejudice means to judge other people negatively or see them as inferior.

When we fix people into one image we create a stereotype. Stereotypes stop us from looking at each person as a unique individual with his or her own special qualities and skills that are different from others.

Discrimination happens when people act on their prejudices or stereotypes.

People are engaged in different kinds of work like teaching, carpentry, pottery, weaving, fishing, farming etc. to earn a livelihood. However, certain kinds of work are valued more than others. This belief is an important aspect of the caste system.

The struggle for freedom from British rule also included within it the struggle of large groups of people who not only fought against the British but also fought to be treated more equally. 

When India became a nation in 1947 our leaders too were concerned about the different kinds of inequalities that existed. So these leaders set out a vision and goals in the Constitution to ensure that all the people of India were considered equal.