There are a few things that you don’t have control over in your life, and one of them is the skin color you were born with. Unfortunately, this society has some people who believe that the color of your skin defines you, despite the fact that it simply means your body has more or less melanin than someone else’s.
Racial/color discrimination occurs when you are treated unfairly or unfavorably because of your skin color or other personal characteristics that are associated with a specific race of people. This might include your hair’s texture or your skin color, your features or other elements of how you appear to others.
What is color discrimination?
Color discrimination specifically refers to treating someone differently and unfavorably just because of the color of their skin. This may also include treating someone negatively because of whom they are married to or associated with (and that person’s race or color).
Who can commit color/racial discrimination?
One of the most interesting things about race or color discrimination is that it isn’t just between white and Black people, for example. It can also be between two Black individuals, a white and Black person, or a tan individual and another from another race or even from the same race. Essentially, anyone can be discriminatory towards another person regardless of their own skin color or race.
It is unlawful to harass someone because of their color or race
Racial or color discrimination is against the law, and it is a specific group that is protected by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act. The EEOC only applies to employers who have 15 or more employees, but in California, the Unruh Civil Rights Act provides protection from discrimination in all business establishments, public accommodations and housing accommodations.
If you are discriminated against at work by a coworker, client, supervisor or other party, it is important that you speak out. You are well protected in this state, and you have a right to stand up for yourself. Your rights as a worker are just as important as anyone else’s, and there is help available for you.