Discrimination and diversity
What is it?
Discrimination refers to unequal/unfair treatment and opportunity to an individual in regard to their race, identity, culture, gender, sexual orientation and age. Individuals who anticipate discrimination will tend to isolate themselves from society and remove themselves from public settings, typically ones where they feel they will not fit in (American Psychological Association, 2019). Discrimination can be found in education, communities, the workplace, voting, health services, government benefit and with and more (Honor Society, 2016). Diversity refers to a range of differences in individuals such as their race, skin colour, beliefs, background, genders, sex etc. (Oxford Languages, 2020). With diversity, acceptance should follow as we need to accept one another regardless of their racial, cultural and physical differences.
How our books link to discrimination and diversity
Sulwe
Page 24 in Sulwe
According to Fellowes and Oakley (2020) theme should connect to the reader's life experiences and offer them something to reflect upon in their own lives (p. 24). Sulwe offers this significant reflection through the overall theme of self love and understanding that we are perfect just the way we are, no matter what we look like. As seen in page 12, Sulwe believes that, to be beautiful, have friends and belong in the world, her skin needs to have white skin which links to the stereotype that white individuals are superior to any other race. Furthermore, the dark night sky above Sulwe symbolises her feeling of separation from society.
Wide Big World
Page 29-30 in Wide Big World
The theme of acceptance and diversity is evident through the characters Izzy and Belle as they both identify differences between each other and the world that surrounds them such as skin tone, eye colour, height, differences in the environment etc. Books such as ‘Wide Big World’ offer students an opportunity to be enriched by stories and cultures from all around the world (McDonald, 2017, p. 52) In page 29-30 where Izzy and Belle are holding hands acts as a symbol for acceptance as they do not let discrimination interfere with their friendship.
My Two Blankets
Page 3-4 in My Two Blankets
‘My Two Blankets’ showcases multiculturalism from a refugee child's point of view. Entering this new world as a minority can be seen as frightening and is depicted with the reputation of the different nationalities on the train. The reputation of the word strange on these pages emphasises how the child is feeling excluded from this new world. By illustrator Frey Blackwood using warm colours for the child and aunty it contrasts the rest of the pages' cold blue and green tones. Further enhancing the focal point of the page and allowing readers to understand the multiculturalism they are witnessing.
The Boy At The Back Of The Class
Page 64 in The Boy At The Back Of The Class
Ahmet as a refugee child would feel like an outcast in this new society he finds himself within. However, seen in the page clipping (pg. 64) he is experiencing acceptance from his friends as they try to find him items that would remind him of his home. However throughout the story Ahmet experiences discrimination from grownups as well as children his own age. The school's bully Brendan is seen throughout the story targeting Ahmet for his differences and the treatment he receives. The author understands how discrimination (Mentally Healthy Schools, 2020) can affect children who experience it and how acceptance form the individuals within their life is important for their development and self acceptance.