The Origins and Necessity of Discrimination in Society

Discrimination, a term often considered negative, plays a complex role in society. It can be seen in various forms and contexts, from personal preferences to broader societal and economic factors.

Personal Preferences and Discrimination

The example given in the original text touches upon personal preferences and the human tendency to favor certain groups over others. This is a common phenomenon, as seen in the discrimination against short women with certain physical attributes in favor of taller women with preferred body types, or the preference for STEM majors over degrees in the history of gender oppression.

Religion and Discrimination

Religious beliefs often serve as a basis for discrimination. While individuals may be taught to be "nice," internalized religious teachings can lead to discrimination against other faiths. This is exemplified by the way some religious communities might treat members of other religions with suspicion or prejudice, even if they are outwardly friendly.

Economics and Discrimination

Economic factors also play a significant role in discrimination. People may support others from their same ethnic, racial, or religious groups, often due to a perceived threat to job security. This was particularly evident in the discriminatory attitudes between different immigrant groups in the USA during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the conflict between the English, Irish, and Italians.

Discrimination among economic groups persists, despite efforts to improve societal equality. For instance, the mere presence of the National Guard protecting Korean grocers could potentially reduce instances of discrimination. However, the underlying issues of economic and social inequalities might persist, giving rise to continued discrimination.

Nature of Dominance and Discrimination

The human nature of dominance is often cited as the cause of discrimination. This leads people to form 'tribes,' which function well internally but can discriminate against outsiders. This tribal behavior has been observed throughout human history and is not unique to any particular time period or region.

Discrimination in a Healthy Society

While it may seem contradictory, discrimination is sometimes an inevitable part of a healthy society. It functions in a manner similar to natural selection, where certain groups may rise to the top while others fall behind. However, this is not inherently a negative process. Instead, it is an intelligent mechanism that adapts and transforms over time, hiding under the guise of accepted ideologies.

Challenging the Perception of Discrimination

Recent Western societies are often accused of being overly diverse and inclusive. It is argued that minority groups receive a disproportionate amount of say, media coverage, and legislation in favor of them. The fact that certain groups, such as white Europeans, have lost their dominant position in their own countries is seen as a form of discrimination against them.

It is a complex issue, as the line between equity and discrimination can be blurred. While some argue that certain measures may be necessary to correct historical injustices, others see them as discriminatory against the current dominant groups.

Ultimately, the presence of discrimination is a reflection of the imperfect nature of human society. Efforts to reduce and eventually eliminate discrimination must be ongoing and considerate of these underlying factors and the complex interplay of history, culture, and personal preference.