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I'm going to talk about the previous topic" the world of work" and mix it with

the issue of discrimination. I will refer to the causes and consequences of


discrimination and how these can affect our performance at work.
Although we live in the 21st century and in what we call "civilized" society.
Hundreds and thousands of people still suffer from discrimination in the work
place. It is a violation of human rights and brings consequences to all those
involved. There are very types of discrimination that occur in the work place
,but I am going to talk about some of them.
GENDER DISCRIMINATION
One of the main forms of prejudice is related to Gender. It consists of adverse
action against another person of the opposite sex. It can come in the form of
treating someone unequally such as excluding them from promotions, training
or even unfair or unequal pay.
Most often, women are the group that feel this type of discrimination.
Sometimes, due to their marital status, the fact that they have children or can
get pregnant, means that they are excluded or wrongfully treated.
The USA has already passed a bill which condones the act of differentiating
between males and females in terms of salary. In fact it was one of the first bills
to be passed in congress under Obama's administration.
RACE DISCRIMINATION
Discrimination also appears in the form of race discrimination.
This is when people are treated differently because of their origin or ethnic
background. In extreme cases it can take the form of racism.
This form of discrimination is often witnessed among immigrants. Some
countries, like Australia, doesn't allow some people to enter without a job and a
house.
The rules are start and clear. Australia will only accept immigrants under
certain conditions.
Is Australia and others countries like Canada correct in their ideas and rules?
RELIGION DISCRIMINATION
Perhaps things get more complicated at the workplace when religion is
involved.
some religions like the Muslims, Jedis or Hinduism require them either to dress
in a specific way , pray at specific times or maybe not work at all on certain
days. Al of this can interfere with the notion of work and can create conflict,
misunderstanding and distrust
among co-workers female Muslims, for
example, often dress in their traditional burkas which can cause fear and revolt
at work.

DISABILITY DISCRIMINATION
Being blind, deaf, in a wheelchair, physically or mentally incapacitated brings
its own challenges society in general presumes that these people are less
valuable and unable to make a valid contribution. If we pair this with the world
of work then the situation gets even worse.
Sometimes the work place is not environmentally friendly for people with a
physical disability and it begins at the selection stage. Interviewers will often
look and skills or abilities to joins on their disabilities. The disabled are often
limited to their choice of jobs and many end up working behind a computer, at
a desk where they are not seen so much. how many disabled people have you
seen working?
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
What happens if you are homosexual? Maybe that depends on the country you
live in.
In Portugal, homosexuality is gradually being accepted and recent laws in
marriage have helped change some mentalities. However, for some, Finding a
job means either having to hide the truth behind their
sexuality or assuming it 100% and be ready to face any and all name calling
that can come your way. Millions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender
workers remain vulnerable at the workplace.
PORTUGAL
The Portuguese legal framework establishes a general protection against
discrimination. However discrimination continues. It is a part of society and
ingrained into each of us.
In the workplace discrimination leads to stress, depression, self-doubt, physical
and mental strain which in turn leads to a bad performance.
WHAT CAN WE DO?
we need to try to learn some lessons in tolerance. For the victims self help
groups, therapy or legal advice could be the solution but in general we have to
remember that we are all human beings with feelings and emotions.
Tolerance and education are the key. By respecting those around us at work, we
will earn the respect and admiration of others too.

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