How the meaning of discrimination shifted from a virtue to a social injustice
In short: In the early 17th century, to discriminate was to show taste and discernment. Today, the word carries a heavy weight, describing the process of making unjustified distinctions that deprive people of their fundamental rights. Understanding this shift reveals how society defines fairness and the battle for equality.
At its core, discrimination involves making unjustified distinctions between people based on their membership in specific categories, such as race, gender, religion, or disability. This process typically results in members of one group being denied opportunities or privileges that are readily available to others. While often viewed through a lens of harm, moral philosophers note that discrimination is a comparative concept; an individual is discriminated against if they are treated worse than others for an arbitrary reason, even if they do not suffer actual physical or material harm.
The linguistic history of the term is particularly striking. Appearing in the English language in the early 17th century, 'discriminate' was originally a synonym for tact, culture, or discernment—attributes generally considered laudable. It was not until the era of the American Civil War that the term's meaning evolved in American English. It shifted toward describing prejudicial treatment based on race, eventually expanding to encompass membership in any socially disfavored group or category.
In the United States, legal frameworks have sought to address these inequities. The 14th Amendment refers to 'discrete and insular minorities,' a concept central to the legal battles fought by various groups seeking equality. Such groups comprise LGBT individuals, people with disabilities, non-English speakers, Native Americans, and immigrants from Latino, European, and Asian backgrounds. To redress historical imbalances, some nations have implemented countervailing measures like quotas, though these efforts often spark intense controversy and are frequently labeled as 'reverse discrimination.'
Ultimately, discrimination can escalate into a profound source of oppression. This occurs when the act of recognizing someone as 'different' becomes so pronounced that it leads to dehumanization and degradation.
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Sources
- Source: CrashCourse — Discrimination: Crash Course Government and Politics #31 · YouTube (embedded player only)
- Also: Discrimination
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