Discrimination in Today’s Society Through a Biblical Sense

Discrimination in Today’s Society through a Biblical Sense Blessed with life is the most precious gift people have been bestowed by God. It should be the primary concern for all. One should provide protection for not just oneself but for the preservation of the human race. God created both sexes as equals. However, with time passing, man-made influences have created inequality between the two sexes. It is quite prevalent that there are several different forms of discrimination, yet, the strongest case is against women - the Catholic Church proves that discrimination is prohibited from developing. Discrimination has had an extensive history throughout all parts of the world. Societies in today’s generation, has practiced some form or degree of discrimination. It has been known for larger civilizations to have a more immense propensity to discriminate. This is due to the fact of the civilization’s achievements and motives. The reason why there is discrimination today, is because people have only lived within their own world and had almost no contact with people from different areas. One most important form of narrow-mindedness is discrimination against women. Throughout history, women have generally have had fewer legal rights and less opportunities than men. A woman’s only significant profession was being a wife and or mother.
“Women were long considered naturally weaker than men, squeamish, and unable to perform work requiring muscular or intellectual development. In most preindustrial societies, for example, domestic chores were relegated to women, leaving "heavier" labor such as hunting and plowing to men.”[1] Women have also been discriminated in the workplace. From unequal pay, to being portrayed as sexual objects. Discrimination against women can also be found in the home, of wives being abused by spouses. “Women in rich and poor countries around the world work longer hours and are paid 25 percent less than men doing the same job.”[2] “In theory, gender discrimination can affect both men and women, however, it is women who have been at the receiving end through the ages and across cultures, since most cultures in the world are patriarchal, or male dominated.”[3] Male dominance is commonly acquainted in almost all religions. As always, women are looked down upon by men. Women in some religions, are depicted as being unclean when menstruating, and become untouchable after childbirth. “Women are described as a temptress or a whore in the scriptures, she has to cover herself from head to foot in order not to weaken the man’s purity of resolve, she is supposed to have been created by God from Adam’s rib, and that too as an afterthought, and God is a man of course!”[4] The United Nations Committee in the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), is the body of independent experts that monitor implementation of all forms of discrimination against women. This organization was established in 1982, and is composed of twenty-three experts on women’s issues from all around the world. The mandate for this committee is very simple: women should have equal rights with men in every aspect in life. The Convention defines discrimination against women as "...any distinction, exclusion or restriction made on the basis of sex which has the effect or purpose of impairing or nullifying the recognition, enjoyment or exercise by women, irrespective of their marital status, on a basis of equality of men and women, of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the political, economic, social, cultural, civil or any other field."[5] CEDAW discusses many different areas in which governments should be working toward achieving women’s equal rights, public and political life, education, employment, maternal rights. In the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, discrimination is generalized as - “Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without discrimination and, in particular, without discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, sex, age or mental or physical disability.”[6] Considering this, one could say that discrimination is illegal in many aspects. If one makes any racial slur or negative comment towards another, one could be seriously penalized - and would have to set up a court herring. The organization affects every women because it promises women will be treated fairly without discrimination in all the things that women do. Another organization that is involved with the issue of discrimination against women is National Organization for Women. This organization, NOW, believes that it is time for an advancement towards true equality for all women, and toward a fully equal partnership between the sexes. “NOW is dedicated to the proposition that women, first and foremost, are human beings, who, like all other people in our society, must have the chance to develop their fullest human potential.”[7] Discrimination is when one acts upon prejudice and hurt people either physically or mentally. The Christian Church all teach similar aspects, that is, being discriminating against others is morally wrong. The Church and God himself, teaches that one should treat everyone equally. “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:31) The Church states that, “every person is my brother or sister.” With this understanding, we all should treat everyone as our brothers and sisters and love them equally. The Catholic Church does not believe in discrimination of any form - especially discrimination against women. God made both male and female equal. “In creating men ‘male and female’, God gives man and women an equal personal dignity. Man is a person, man and women equally so since both were created in the image and likeness of the personal God.”[8] Even the Church states that both men and women are balanced. Therefore, there should be no discrimination against one sex for any reason. “Man and woman were made ‘for each other’ - not that God left them half-made and incomplete: he created them to be a communion of persons, in which each can be “helpmate” to the other, for they are equal as persons (“bones of my bones...”) and complementary as masculine and feminine.”[9] As seen here in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, God has His followers believe that both man and woman were made for each other. Both are designed to be with each other and have equal rights. Questions may arise as to why would such people discriminate against women? Or what did women ever do to deserve this much hatred? Well, overtime man-made influences have created inequality between the two sexes. Influences such as media and the society having an embellishing view that “sex sells”. This not only objectifies women but it also exploits women as figurine. This can be displayed through commercials, music videos, ads and the internet. Everywhere one looks, there are scantily clad women. Additionally, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, it is mentioned that “every form of social or cultural discrimination in fundamental personal rights on the grounds of sex, race, colour, social conditions, language, or religion must be curbed and eradicated as incompatible with God’s design.”[10] Basically, if any one person makes a discriminant comment, one is incompatible of God’s perfect image and design. God created man in His own image, and blessed them. Everyone was created in the likeness of God. With knowing this, discrimination against gender should be no more! A majority of people would say that discrimination against women is appalling. Why is it always common for women to be discriminated? What is that men have against women? Men and women are equal, and forever will be equal in God’s eyes. God made both men and women in the likeness of Himself, men and women are exactly the same. Gender discrimination should not be a part of this world - especially in today’s society. Everyone in this world, just wants to be treated the same and fairly. One would agree that Pope John Paul is trying to make society realize and consider the crucial issues on women’s rights and the dignity of women. The Pope thanks women who are mothers, wives, daughters and sisters - women who work, women who are dedicated and most importantly, to ALL WOMEN! This world, this life, is all precious. One has to make every moment count. God has millions of children and one should be kind to all. Both sexes are indeed equals, and there should be no acts of discrimination. It is quite prevalent that there are several different forms of discrimination, yet, the strongest case is against women. Discrimination against women through the workplace, home and religion should not even be acknowledged anymore. Discrimination should be put behind mankind, and it will make the future a better place to live.

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[1] "WIC - Women's History in America." Welcome to WIC - Breaking News and Opinion in San Diego: Women's International Center. Web. 14 Nov. 2010. .
[2] Tell, Shawgi. "PEN-L Message, [PEN-L:5531] Hard Statistics On Gender Discrimination." Hard Statistics On Gender Discrimination. 3 Aug. 1996. Web. 15 Nov. 2010. .
[3] Putatunda, By Rita. "Sexism - Gender Discrimination." Buzzle Web Portal: Intelligent Life on the Web. Web. 12 Nov. 2010. .
[4] "Text of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. (CEDAW)" Welcome to the United Nations: It's Your World. Web. 15 Nov. 2010.
[5] “Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women”. http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/cedaw/ . 12 October 2005.
[6] "CANADIAN CHARTER OF RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS." Electronic Frontier Canada -- Www.efc.ca. Constitution Act, 1982. Web. 15 Nov. 2010. .
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[8] "2334." Catechism of the Catholic Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov 2010. .
[9] "372." Catechism of the Catholic Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov 2010. .
[10] "1935." Catechism of the Catholic Church. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 Nov 2010. .