Discrimination: Definition and Application

The previous article on discrimination was a basic introduction to the subject. As stated earlier, I want this subject to be a discussion topic. I want to interact with the readers and discuss the subject of discrimination. I realize that it is a difficult topic to talk about as well as a sensitive one. However, I feel that it is very important we study this issue together because it is being talked about more each day.

This article will deal mainly with examining the definition of discrimination. According to a very popular website, www.dictionary.com, discrimination has several meanings. First, "an act or instance of discriminating." Second, "treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination." Last, "the power of making fine distinctions; discriminating judgment." These definitions can be found at: http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/discrimination

Many people, especially politicians, want to mainly focus on the second definition and seek to outlaw discrimination entirely. What they fail to realize is there are two types of discrimination. Without a doubt, the act as defined as "treatment or consideration of, or making a distinction in favor of or against, a person or thing based on the group, class, or category to which that person or thing belongs rather than on individual merit: racial and religious intolerance and discrimination," should be outlawed. The two do not belong together.

This particular definition is by no means perfect. What should have been left out is "religious intolerance and discrimination" which leads us to an examination of the other form of discrimination which is normal and Biblical. In order to better understand it, let us take a closer look at some everyday situations. Right now, we will use shopping as an example.

When we go shopping, what do we do? Where do we go? What are we thinking as we shop? As an example, let us say we need new clothes for the entire family. As a Christian, we observe how the world dresses up, or in other cases, dresses down. We want to make sure that what we wear is modest and does not cause others to sin. This also applies to our children, whether they are young or as teenagers. In other words, we do not want to look like the world. Furthermore, when we dress modestly, we are, in a sense, discriminating against those who dress immodestly and saying to them that we do not desire to look and behave in similar fashion.

While we are in town, we search for a place that sells modest clothing. We see a new clothing store and decide to see what they have. After looking at what it has to offer, we decide that the clothing is immodest and too expensive. An employee tries to encourage us to stay in the store, but we tell him or her that we believe that our family cannot afford what they sell, the clothing is immodest, and we will shop somewhere else. Thus, we decide, based on those observations made and reasons given, to either go back to place we know we can find affordable modest clothing or to purchase clothing material and patterns to sew modest clothing for our family.

In this example, could you see discrimination taking place? Was the act evil or in accordance with Biblical teaching? I want to read your thoughts. I am looking forward to reading them and interacting with you on this issue.