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Reverse discrimination
Reverse discrimination refers to giving preferential treatment or advantages to individuals
from a historically privileged or dominant group to address past or ongoing discrimination
against marginalized or disadvantaged groups. The concepts of diversity and inclusion are
derived from Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This Act is perhaps one of the most
significant statutes ever enacted in the United States. Legislation was passed to ban employers
from participating in various types of workplace discrimination and to ensure that job decisions
would be made based on an individual's character or aptitude rather than their race, gender,
religion, and other factors (Myers, 2021; Raymond et al., 2021). As a result of this law, several
organizations are now facing the issue of reverse discrimination.
Emergence of Novel Discrimination
Reverse discrimination is a phenomenon that is occurring among several workers in
today's corporate environment. Reverse discrimination, as defined by Earle and Hodson (2020),
refers to a concept where the advantages gained by minorities are balanced by the disadvantages
experienced by privileged groups, reflecting a zero-sum mindset. The definition of reverse
discrimination may vary slightly depending on the geographical region. In the European Union
(EU), reverse discrimination occurs when a member state treats its citizens less favorably than
individuals whose circumstances are protected by EU legislation, even if they cannot prove a
connection with the law (Jarak, 2021). Irrespective of the place, the definitions inform the
readers that the majority faces discrimination since the minority is lawfully entitled to certain
advantages.
However, research has shown a decline in the number of discrimination complaints. Earle
and Hodson (2020) found that while the minority still experiences more discrimination
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complaints than the majority, there has been a significant decline in such complaints over the last
two decades. Nevertheless, the authors highlighted a rise in grievances from the majority. This
indicates the existence of a sense of reverse discrimination in some firms.
Preventing 'Reverse' Discrimination
Seeking the ideal combination in a corporation may pose difficulties for Human
Resources experts and organizational executives. How can a company establish a workplace that
promotes inclusivity and prevents discrimination? In his 2018 paper, O'Donnell highlights that
both minority and majority populations are safeguarded from discrimination since discrimination
itself is universally condemned. Nevertheless, a firm must actively pursue external and internal
measures to promote diversity and avoid any appearance of prejudice inside the workplace.
Using this approach, you may ensure the presence of a varied workforce and a broader pool of
prospective workers.
How can I establish an organization that fosters transparency and fairness in the
workplace for its employees? The first step would include enacting laws that guarantee a
hiring/selection process consisting of a balanced representation of workers from all demographic
groups. Ensuring that the interviewers prioritize equality as their primary emphasis. In addition,
leaders must make empty promises and demonstrate a genuine dedication to promoting
inclusivity and equitable job opportunities for all groups rather than favoring just one. Leaders
must mentor, foster growth, and generate opportunities for all demographic groups.
Furthermore, God has explicitly confronted the issue of prejudice inside the bible in
several instances. The passage in Galatians 3:28 unequivocally declares that in the eyes of Christ
Jesus, there is no distinction based on ethnicity (Jew or Greek), social status (bond or free), or
gender (male or female). This verse emphasizes the unity of all individuals in Christ. We are all
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equal in the sight of God. In Peter 1-4:8, Jesus instructs us, "Above all, demonstrate fervent
charity towards one another, as charity has the power to conceal a multitude of sins" (King James
Bible 1769/2017). According to divine guidance, we are instructed to demonstrate love and treat
people the same way we want to be treated. If we establish an organization that consistently
upholds the principles of treating everyone with the appropriate level of honor and regard they
deserve, we will get eternal blessings from God.
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References
Earle, M., & Hodson, G. (2020). Questioning white losses and anti-white discrimination in the
United States. Nature Human Behaviour, 4(2), 160-168. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-
019-0777-1
Jarak, N. (2021). Fundamental rights of EU citizens in purely internal situations: From reverse
discrimination to incorporation? Croatian yearbook of European Law & Policy, 17(1),
41-76. https://doi.org/10.3935/cyelp.17.2021.464
King James Bible. (2017). King James Bible Online. https://www.kingjamesbibleonline.org/
(Original work published 1769)
Myers, C. (2021). The Confusion of McDonnell Douglas: A Path Forward for Reverse
Discrimination Claims. Seattle University law review, 44(4), 1065-1123.
https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/sulr/vol44/iss4/4/
O'Donnell, R. (2018, October 18). How to hire for diversity while avoiding 'reverse'
discrimination claims. https://www.hrdive.com/news/how-to-hire-for-diversity-while-
avoiding-reverse-discrimination-claims/539810/
Raymond A, N., Hollenback, J. R., Gerhart, B., & Wright, P. M. (2021). Human resource
management: Gaining a competitive advantage (12 ed.). New York, NY:
https://digitalcommons.law.seattleu.edu/sulr/vol44/iss4/4/. https://prod.reader-
ui.prod.mheducation.com/epub/sn_b6e3a/data-uuid-
4b212c7c38cd4bdf86d3e9cb5fe3ba1c
