Monday, August 6, 2007

Lookism, Ageism, Disablism and Xenophobia

Lookism - Lookism is discrimination against or prejudice towards others based on their appearance.
The New Discrimination: Looksism
The Dialectic of Fat --- Obsession over body image
Lookism - Our tendency to discriminate bad-looking individuals:


Ageism - stereotyping and prejudice against individuals or groups because of their age.
Ageism said to erode care given to elders
Ageism And The Assumptions Made ---
- Older employees have a very definite way of thinking and are less inclined to welcome change. They rarely stray from their preconceived notions and are less flexible than a younger employee.
- Older employees are less ambitious in direct contrast to younger employees who are hungrier, more enthusiastic and far more ambitious.
- Older employees command higher salaries due to their experience where younger employees with superior qualifications can be hired and molded to the company’s requirements.
- Older employees are less inclined toward flexibility due to outside commitments where younger employers have less demands on their time and are more willing to work late nights and weekends.
- Older employees are less up to date technologically than younger employees.
Ageism against the young



Disablism - inherent discrimination against people with disabilities in favor of people who are not disabled.
'Disablism': A Closer Look
Nelson Mandela backs call for equality amongst disabled people



Xenophobia - fear or contempt of foreigners or strangers.
SOUTH AFRICA: Xenophobia has an economic cost
Attack in German Train Station, Injuring Immigrants, Highlights Xenophobia in Germany