Discrimination isn't always wrong - is it?

In the US, we publicly espouse the idea of freedom and equal opportunity for all. Most Americans would agree that it is both wrong and irrational to deem someone unqualified for a job solely because of their race or religion, for example. But as I read the newspaper, observe broadcast media, and experience life, I have to question our true conviction to equality for all.

Among the more commonly accepted prejudices:

MINORITY LANGUAGE SKILLS

Every so often, a school district somewhere in the US tries to implement a "Black English" class, or English As a Second Language courses geared primarily towards immigrants. Don't get me wrong: I wholly support educating residents who do not speak English. But I do question programs that seem to operate under the premise that improper language use is acceptable, or that people of certain racial or ethnic groups are less capable of speaking grammatically correct English.

WEIGHT

This is a topic I know well. I am, as Garfield would say, under-tall. I have known the humiliation of being scowled at and ridiculed because of my weight; I am also certain I have lost job opportunities because of my appearance. I have a bachelor degree and a solid work history; every employer I've ever had has praised my communication skills, my knowledge, and my public speaking and public relations abilities. I know that I interview well over the phone. But more than once I have walked into an interview, after passing the phone interview on a very upbeat note, and have seen the interviewer's eyes drop and that oh-too-obvious twitch indicating I will not be hired. I might add that while I am not petite, I do not require two seats on an airplane nor does my size impede my ability to get around quite efficiently.

Weight discrimination extends into our schools; I knew a first grade student, a great, intelligent kid who loved school who suddenly began getting a stomachache every day before going to school. When his mom finally realized that this was no ordinary flu bug, one lone tear rolled down his cheek as he admitted a classmate had been teasing him about his weight for several months; despite having heard the teasing, no adult had tried to stop it. The principal was contacted, and he replied, "Boys do that, what can you do?" He reluctantly addressed the situation after being asked, "Would you be so tolerant if a student was making racial slurs?" In the end, he talked to both boys, and the teasing stopped.

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