Discrimination based on nationality and ethnicity

1. i
Discrimination: Based on Nationality and Ethnicity
A Mini Project – I work submitted to Department of English in partial
Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Internal Assessments of
Optional English – 8
Submitted by
SHILPA SARKAR
(Reg. No: A2016612)
VI semester B.A.
Under the guidance of
Prof. Mr. F. Robert Sunil, M.A., M. Phil., B.Ed.
Department of English
Krupanidhi Degree College
Bangalore- 560035
August 2023

2. ii
KRUPANIDHI DEGREE COLLEGE
BENGALURU-35
This is to certify that Ms. SHILPA SARKAR of Semester VI BA JOP have
submitted a MINI PROJECT on ‘Discrimination: Based on Nationality
and Ethnicity’ under the guidance of Robert Sunil F.
Semester: VI
Course: B.A
Year: 2023
Signature:
Date:
HOD PROJECT SUPERVISOR PRINCIPAL

3. iii
INDEX
 Abstract
 Chapter 1: Overview of Discrimination
 Chapter 2: Types of Discrimination
 Chapter 3: Global Context
 Chapter 4: National Origin Discrimination
 Chapter 5: Discrimination in Workplace
 Chapter 6: Consequences of Discrimination
 Chapter 7: Comparative Study
 Chapter 8: Racial Discrimination and International Laws
 Reference

4. 1
Abstract
Discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and communities around the
world. It takes many forms, from overt acts of hatred to subtle biases that can be difficult to
detect. Discrimination can have serious consequences for those who experience it, including
lower self-esteem, reduced opportunities, and even physical harm. Despite its negative impact,
discrimination continues to be a problem in our society. By understanding what discrimination
is, how it manifests, and its effects, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and
equitable world. National origin discrimination involves treating people unfavourably because
they are from a particular country or part of the world, because of ethnicity or accent, or
because they appear to be of a certain ethnic background (even if they are not). Racial
discernment based on origin or bodily or social features is now being connected with definite
features such as skin colour, hair texture or styles or definite facial features. This happens
when a man deals with less positivity or not provided equal doors as compared to certain
individuals

5. 2
Chapter 1:
Introduction
Introduction to Discrimination
Discrimination is a pervasive issue that affects individuals and society as a whole. It takes
many forms, including racial, gender, and age discrimination. Discrimination has a negative
impact on people's mental health, job opportunities, and overall well-being. It is important for
us to recognize discrimination when it occurs and take steps to prevent it from happening in
the future. Discrimination is the unjust or prejudicial treatment of individuals or groups based
on their perceived differences. It can take many forms, such as racism, sexism, ageism, and
ableism, among others. Discrimination can have a profound impact on individuals and society,
leading to feelings of isolation, marginalization, and injustice. For example, discrimination in
the workplace can result in unequal pay, limited career advancement opportunities, and a
hostile work environment. Discrimination in housing can lead to segregation and unequal
access to resources and services. Discrimination in education can limit opportunities for
learning and personal growth. Ultimately, discrimination undermines our shared values of
fairness, equality, and respect for all people.
Discrimination is not only morally wrong but also illegal in many countries. However, it
still persists in various forms and contexts, from workplace harassment to hate crimes. It is
essential to recognize and address discrimination to create a more just and inclusive society.
This requires empathy, education, and action at all levels, from personal interactions to
institutional policies. (Kuper, 2004)
Historical Context
Discrimination is not a new phenomenon. It has existed in various forms throughout history
and across different cultures. Even before the concept of discrimination was defined, people
have been treated unfairly because of their race, gender, religion, or social status.

6. 3
However, discrimination as we know it today has its roots in the colonial era, where racial and
ethnic differences were used to justify the oppression of certain groups. The idea of superiority
and inferiority based on physical characteristics became deeply ingrained in society and
continues to influence our attitudes and behaviours today. Discrimination in India has deep
roots in the country's history, including the legacy of colonialism and the impact of social and
economic inequality. During British rule, the caste system was reinforced and
institutionalized, leading to widespread discrimination against lower castes. Additionally,
British policies of divide and rule pitted different religious and ethnic groups against each
other, further exacerbating tensions.
After independence, India's leaders sought to create a more egalitarian society through
affirmative action policies and efforts to uplift marginalized communities. However, progress
has been slow and uneven, with many groups still facing discrimination based on their caste,
religion, gender, or sexual orientation. The legacy of colonialism and ongoing social and
economic inequality continue to shape patterns of discrimination in India today.
Discrimination in India
Discrimination in India is a pervasive issue that affects millions of people every day. It takes
many forms, from caste discrimination to gender discrimination, and has a profound impact on
individuals and society as a whole. It is important to talk about discrimination in India because
only by acknowledging its existence can we begin to address it. Discrimination perpetuates
inequality and injustice, and it is our responsibility to work towards a more just and equitable
society for all.
Types of Discrimination
 Discrimination can take many forms, including racial discrimination, gender
discrimination, and age discrimination.
 Racial discrimination refers to treating someone unfairly because of their race or
ethnicity. This can manifest in many ways, such as denying someone a job or
promotion because of their race, or using racial slurs or stereotypes to belittle or
demean someone.

7. 4
 Gender discrimination involves treating someone unfairly because of their gender
identity or expression. This can include unequal pay for equal work, sexual harassment
or assault, or denying someone opportunities because of their gender.
 Age discrimination occurs when someone is treated unfairly because of their age. This
can happen in the workplace, where older workers may be passed over for promotions
or laid off because of their age.
 It's important to recognize and address all forms of discrimination in order to create a
more just and equitable society.
Discrimination based on nationality is discriminating against a person based on their
nationality, country of citizenship, or national origin. Although many countries' non-
discrimination laws contain exceptions for nationality and immigration status, nationality is
related to race and religion, so direct discrimination on the basis of nationality may be indirect
discrimination on racial or religious grounds. Discrimination "against any particular
nationality" is prohibited by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of
Racial Discrimination (CERD).
Discrimination is a pervasive issue in India, with various forms of discrimination affecting
different groups of people. One of the most prevalent types of discrimination is caste
discrimination, which is deeply rooted in India's social hierarchy. This system assigns
individuals to a specific caste based on their birth, and those at the bottom of the hierarchy face
significant discrimination and prejudice.
Gender discrimination is another major issue in India, with women facing systemic barriers
in access to education, employment, and healthcare. Religious discrimination is also a problem,
with tensions between different religious communities leading to violence and discrimination.
Finally, discrimination based on sexual orientation is a growing concern, with members of the
LGBTQ+ community facing harassment and discrimination in many areas of life.
Types of Discrimination Seen in India
In India, national origin discrimination is a particularly sensitive issue due to the country's
complex history of colonization and immigration. People from certain countries or regions may
face discrimination based on stereotypes or prejudices about their culture or background.
Ethnic discrimination in India is against the North-Eastern communities who are often

8. 5
subjected to racial slurs and harassment due to their physical features and cultural differences.
Another example is the discrimination faced by the Adivasi communities who are often
marginalized and excluded from mainstream society.
Nationality discrimination is often linked to issues of immigration and citizenship.
Individuals who are perceived as being 'foreign' or 'outsiders' may face discrimination and
prejudice, particularly in times of political tension or conflict.

9. 6
Chapter 2:
Global Context and Nation Origin Discrimination
Global Context
Discrimination is a global problem, and India is no exception. In fact, India has been ranked
as one of the most discriminatory countries in the world, with widespread discrimination based
on caste, gender, religion, and sexual orientation.
“A key feature of any definition of discrimination is its focus on behaviour.
Discrimination is distinct from racial prejudice (attitudes), racial stereotypes
(beliefs), and racism (ideologies) that may also be associated with racial
disadvantage” (Quillian 2006).
Discrimination may be motivated by prejudice, stereotypes, or racism, but the definition of
discrimination does not presume any unique underlying cause.
Despite this, there have been some positive developments in recent years, including legal
and policy changes aimed at addressing discrimination. The international community has also
taken notice, with organizations like the United Nations calling for greater action to combat
discrimination in India.
“Societies continue to make distinctions based on ethnicity, race, sex or
gender and other characteristics that should have no bearing on people’s
achievements or on their well-being. The Report on the World Social
Situation 2016 argued that discrimination is one of the key drivers of social
exclusion”. (United Nations, 2016)
Discrimination remains a fundamental problem in the world today. Based on existing
literature, the Report found that discriminatory norms and behaviours remain widespread and
continue to drive social exclusion. Yet while formal institutional barriers faced by marginalized
groups are easy to detect, informal barriers are frequently more subtle, making measuring
discrimination difficult.

10. 7
One way to measure discrimination is to ask people if they felt they’ve been treated unfairly
due to their identity. Members of racial or ethnic minority groups in many countries feel that
they face discrimination in day-to-day encounters. In a 2008 survey covering 23,500
immigrants and members of ethnic minorities across the European Union, one in four
respondents reported feeling discriminated against in the previous 12 months on at least two
grounds: ethnic or immigrant origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or
belief or “other” reasons.
This data measures the views of those subject to discrimination but doesn’t measure the
perceptions of those who may be prejudiced against certain groups.
“The World Values Surveys assess prejudicial attitudes through questions on whether
respondents would object to having certain groups of people as neighbours as a
measure of social distance between groups. Attitudes towards migrants often become
more negative in periods of economic insecurity or following large waves of
immigration. The misperceptions that most often lead to negative attitudes include that
migrants take away jobs from natives or they commit illegal acts, among others”
(United Nation,2018).
That said, country context is the most important determinant of prejudicial attitudes: a
country’s institutions, history, and values are better predictors of tolerance and respect of others
than an individual’s level of education or employment.
In schools, national origin discrimination can impact students' academic performance and
mental health. For example, a study found that Arab American students experienced higher
levels of discrimination and lower levels of school belonging compared to their non-Arab
peers. Another study found that Latino students who experienced discrimination had higher
levels of anxiety and depression. To address these issues, some schools have implemented
diversity and inclusion programs, as well as cultural competency training for teachers and staff.
In the recent years where most Western countries have become more tolerant of cultural
diversity with introducing laws that now forbid overt forms of discrimination, unconscious
biases remain – with one of the most well-documented being discrimination against job
applicants with ethnic minority names.

11. 8
“Changing one's birth name in order to improve one's career prospects is not an
unusual concept. Famous people from Indian-American actress and comedian Mindy
Kaling born as Vera Chokalingam to Canadian-Indian” (Free Press Journal, 2022)
all changed their birth names in part to better their career prospects. New research published
by Monash University says that applicants with six ethnic group names are 57% less likely to
be considered for leadership roles and 45 per cent less likely to be considered for lower job
positions
Nationality
Nationality refers to a person's legal relationship with a particular country. It is often
determined by birth or by the country in which a person resides. Nationality can have a
significant impact on an individual's life, as it can affect their access to education, healthcare,
and employment opportunities.
Unfortunately, nationality-based discrimination can also have a negative impact on
individuals. Like if individuals who are not considered citizens of a particular country may be
denied basic rights and services, such as the right to vote or access to healthcare. They may
also face social exclusion and economic disadvantages, such as being unable to own property
or start a business. This type of discrimination can lead to feelings of isolation and frustration,
and can have long-lasting effects on an individual's well-being.
Nationality discrimination and National origin discrimination
Nationality discrimination is a pervasive problem that affects millions of people around the
world. From employment practices to access to education and healthcare, individuals from
certain nationalities face significant barriers that prevent them from fully participating in
society. For example, did you know that in some countries, employers are legally allowed to
discriminate against job applicants based on their nationality? This means that even if two
candidates have identical qualifications, the one with the 'right' nationality will be chosen over
the other. This not only harms individuals but also has a negative impact on the economy as a
whole.

12. 9
Nationality discrimination refers to the act of treating someone unfairly based on their
country of origin or nationality. This can include denying them opportunities, services, or
benefits that are available to others, or subjecting them to harassment, ridicule, or violence.
Discrimination based on ethnicity and nationality is unfortunately still prevalent in many parts
of the world. This type of discrimination can take many forms, from racial slurs to denial of
job opportunities or housing based solely on one's ethnicity or nationality.
It is important to recognize that ethnicity and nationality are not choices, but rather aspects of
a person's identity that they cannot change. Discriminating against someone based on these
factors is unfair and unjust. It is crucial to promote understanding and acceptance of different
cultures and nationalities to combat this type of discrimination.
Discrimination based on national origin involves prejudiced treatment due to a person’s place
of birth, culture, ancestry, or linguistic characteristics. Examples of this type of discrimination
include denying someone employment because of their accent or harassing them because of
their nationality. Teasing or offhand remarks would qualify as discrimination if they create a
hostile work environment.
A Muslim woman had her hijab forcibly taken off by a stranger on the street. A refugee got
laughed at upon visiting a local community centre. An ethnic Korean student from China was
told she was doing her master’s degree here just to find a husband. (The Korean Herald, 2020)
Racism in Korean society is based on a Korean supremacist attitude of looking down on
migrants from countries that are poorer, the report said, calling for the enactment of an anti-
discrimination law here. The human rights watchdog also pointed to the Korean government’s
“discriminative perception,” citing the situation where foreigners not covered by the national
health insurance plan are being excluded from the country’s mask rationing system amid the
spread of the novel coronavirus.
“The people living in North-East of are highly discriminated on ethnic basis, there
are given the tag of Nepali or called chincki. The COVID -19 shows us the harsh reality
being faced by the North East people of India , first they don’t look like Indian totally ,
in fact many North-East India are denied entry into hotels , may are not given jobs
because of the different in ethnicity and race , in 2016 an incident happened in
Bangalore where two boys were brutally beaten for not speaking the local language ,
there have been 22 cases reported on racial discrimination in March 2020 , there were

13. 10
around 78% of the population living in North East who believed that the main culprit
behind prejudice against them was their race /physical appearance , 34% were refused
to file a FIR by the police , there have 32.3 % of the cases unreported in India”.( Papori
,2019)

14. 11
Chapter 3:
Discrimination in Workplace and its Consequences
Workplace Discrimination
National origin discrimination also can involve treating people unfavourably because
they are associated with a person of a certain national origin. National origin discrimination
involves treating people, applicants or employees unfavourably because they are from a
particular country or part of the world, because of ethnicity or accent, or because they
appear to be of a certain ethnic background even if they are not. Discrimination can occur
when the victim and the person who inflicted the discrimination are the same national
origin.
National Origin & Harassment
It is unlawful to harass a person because of his or her national origin. Harassment can
include, for example, offensive or derogatory remarks about a person's national origin,
accent or ethnicity. Although the law doesn't prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments,
or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent
or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an
adverse employment decision.
One case study of national origin discrimination in the workplace involved a large retail
chain that was accused of discriminating against employees who spoke Spanish. Despite
having a diverse workforce with many bilingual employees, the company implemented a
policy that required all employees to speak only English while on the job. This policy had a
disproportionate impact on Spanish-speaking employees, who were more likely to be
disciplined or fired for speaking their native language. The case ultimately resulted in a
settlement that required the company to revise its language policy and provide training to
managers on how to prevent discrimination based on national origin. Another case study
involved a manufacturing company that was accused of discriminating against Muslim
employees by refusing to allow them to take prayer breaks during their shifts. Despite
accommodating other types of religious practices, such as allowing Christian employees to

15. 12
take breaks for church services, the company claimed that it could not accommodate Muslim
prayer breaks due to production demands. The case was eventually settled, with the company
agreeing to provide religious accommodation to all employees and to train managers on how
to prevent discrimination based on religion or national origin.
A new study from Sutton Trust indicates that accent discrimination is still a pervasive issue.
The study looked at the experiences of 17-18-year-old university applicants, 18–21-year-old
university students and young professionals between the ages of 21-24 (Forbes, 2022). The
study participants were all within the United Kingdom. The research found that there was
“accent prestige” for those who spoke what is sometimes referred to as the “Queen’s English.”
The researchers also found that there was accent bias for participants from industrial cities like
Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham, which are areas that are considered to be working-
class within England. Both ethnic minority accents of Afro-Caribbeans as well as Indians also
experienced bias. There are several ways that employers can address and mitigate accent bias
in the workplace. Overcoming this type of discrimination should take a multi-pronged
approach.
Consequences of Discrimination
Discrimination can have serious negative consequences on both mental and physical health.
Studies have shown that discrimination can lead to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and
other mental health issues. Additionally, discrimination can also contribute to physical health
problems such as high blood pressure and heart disease.
Economically, discrimination can limit opportunities for education, employment, and
advancement, leading to lower income and reduced social mobility. This can create a cycle of
poverty and inequality that is difficult to break out of. Socially, discrimination can lead to
feelings of isolation and exclusion, creating barriers to forming connections and building
relationships with others.
Numerous studies have consistently shown that caste-based discrimination is closely linked
to adverse mental health outcomes. Research conducted by the National Institute of Mental
Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) revealed that individuals who face discrimination are
at a significantly higher risk of experiencing psychological distress, anxiety disorders,
depression, and low self-esteem compared to those who do not encounter such prejudice.

16. 13
Disparate impact occurs when individuals are treated equally according to a given set of rules
and procedures but when the latter are constructed in ways that favour members of one group
over another (National Research Council).
Effect of Discrimination in Physical and Mental Health
Some studies suggest that the relationship between perceived discrimination and clinical
mental illness becomes stronger as perceptions of discrimination and instances of experienced
discrimination increases. In a 2009 meta-analysis, the impacts of discrimination and mental
health were found to be a general phenomenon, such that targets of discrimination experience
poorer mental health irrespective of their ethnicity or gender. (Pascoe, 2009)
Multiple meta-analyses reveal that perceived discrimination is associated with a range of
negative physical health outcomes such as heart disease, obesity, hypertension, ambulatory
blood pressure, breast cancer, diabetes, and respiratory problems. “Perceived discrimination
also shows association with indicators of forthcoming health problems, such as increased
allostatic load, shorter telomere length, inflammation, cortisol dysregulation, and coronary
artery calcification.” Some studies indicate that perceived discrimination could contribute to
increased cardiovascular risk as a result of experiencing higher systolic and diastolic blood
pressure during the day and higher ambulatory blood pressure at night in response to
discrimination. (Williams, David R, 2009)
Impact of Nationality Discrimination
Nationality discrimination can have a devastating impact on individuals, leading to feelings
of isolation, exclusion, and low self-worth. It can also create a culture of fear and mistrust
within communities, making it difficult for people to feel safe and secure in their own
neighbourhoods. At a societal level, nationality discrimination can lead to the marginalization
of entire groups of people, perpetuating cycles of poverty and inequality. It can also undermine
social cohesion and weaken the fabric of our communities, creating a sense of division and
distrust that can be difficult to overcome.

17. 14
Chapter 4:
Racial and Caste Discrimination in Black and Dalit: A
Comparative Study
The researcher focuses on theme of racism and casteism faced by both the communities in
the autobiographies one by one, starting with Black autobiographies. The first Black
autobiography which confronts with the problem of racism is All 171 God's Children Need
Travelling Shoes. This fifth volume of Maya Angelou's autobiographies departs from the
singular constant of Afro-American autobiography, the confrontation of a Black self with a
racist American society that ever threatens to destroy it. Angelou’s previous volumes
documents that confrontation, enlightening an aspect unique to the Black woman. In her life,
the oppression of race joins with the oppression of gender to create the rust on the razor that
threatens (her) throat.
In All God’s Children Need Travelling Shoes, Maya Angelou hunts for her roots in Africa
and tries to make a connection between America and Africa. Moreover, in presenting the
African setting as a major element of the fifth autobiography, Angelou, like other writers
before her, describes to an American readership her impressions of what White explorers once
called the Dark continent, 'dark' suggesting to them Africa’s quality of ambiguity as well as
the dark complexion of most of her people. (Angelou,2008)
Moreover, although both the African-Americans and the Dalits are different groups, they
hold a similar position in their respective societies that is at the bottom of the socioeconomic
hierarchy. Both the Afro-Americans and the Dalits have protested against religions which
perpetuated their enslavement. Even though slavery was abolished, the White American had
persistently clasped the Black man in - enslavement by keeping alive a series of distorted
psychological image of Blackness. Similarly, Hindu society continues to function within the
rigid frame work of caste and has kept alive 151 the image of the Dalit as untouchable, polluted
and unclean, undesirable in contrast to God ‘s own people – upper castes.
(Anand, S.,2007)
The literary fronts of the African-Americans and the Dalits also have many similarities.
Though African-American and Dalit movements have proceeded along different paths and

18. 15
taken different shapes, the core of both the movements was the same. Both have struggled for
human rights and in-human wrongs. Despite differences of countries, society, language, region
and economy, the similarities in the life experience of the two communities derives from the
fact that both were targets of excess, injustice and slavery- their experience of pain is of a
world-scale. There are similarities in the feeling of ownership, entitlement and superiority
demonstrated by White and Savarna Hindu societies, on the one hand, and of revolt against
slavery by the African Americans and the Dalits, on the other. (Andrews,1993)
The most important similarity between Black autobiographies and Dalit autobiographies is
the painful struggle these writers faced to gain the right to speak. In addition to this, both
literatures also deal with issue of fighting against social and physical exploitation, fighting for
social justice and human rights or lack of rights, citizenship. Moreover, autobiographies have
been used in both literatures as a means to express their hardcore experiences of life.
Furthermore, their agenda is not localized in individualism but links the individual to the
“entire community” as a way of gaining power and support in a group struggle against
similarly experienced oppression.
To conclude, Afro-American communities and Dalit communities share a lot of identical
ties in their history, predicament and prospects. Though geographical locations and cultural
values may be different, discrimination is perpetuated against marginals in both the cultures.
This is general tendency of a human being to exploit, harass and abuse the subalterns or
marginals. Both of these literatures are an alarming call for provisioning of stereotypical
images of marginals in their texts and struggle to give them their due in term of identity,
position, power and emotional fulfilment. It is evident from the above research that the
marginals in both African-American literature and Dalit literature portray a few radical images
of the oppressed marginals.
African-American autobiographies and Dalit autobiographies have their own literary
customs and traditions. The autobiographies of the African-Americans and the Dalits represent
the world of American society and traditional Indian society. All the auto-biographers had to
face marginalization and deprivation. They realized this deprivation and struggled against it.
“When you walk in the darkness for a long time, your steps get used to even that” was the case
with the African-Americans and the Dalits. The African-Americans and the Dalits were the

19. 16
victims of the social injustices and gradually they started believing that they were born to
suffer. They were exploited, suppressed and oppressed to such an extent that they did not
venture out of their miserable conditions nor did they inspire others to break the bondages.
They were pushing their children in the darkness of illiteracy under the burden of customs and
traditions. But through the revolutionary movements of Black Panther Movement in America
and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar in India, the African-Americans and the Dalits were inspired to
take education. Their education enabled them to describe their agonies, sorrows and sufferings
in their autobiographies. African-American and Dalit autobiographies possess the potential to
be served as social and political documents of race and caste ridden America and India. One
cannot think of the suffering, oppression, exploitation and maltreatment they experienced in
ancient America and India that had actually happened. In the light of this perspective, the
present chapter is an attempt to analyse the selected autobiographies of the African-American
and the Indian Dalit writers by applying the theme of racism and casteism respectively.
Maya Angelou exhibits many essential themes within All God’s Children Need Travelling
Shoes that unites within her life and the experiences that she has been a part of. One of the
most prominent themes is racism, as she was not exactly welcomed within Ghana, as an
African-American. There was a great deal of bitterness held towards African-Americans from
the people who lived in Africa, due to the problem of slavery and the idea that African-
Americans have forgotten about their African heritage within America.
Laxman Gaikwad’s autobiography Uchalya: The Branded depicts the dreadful pictures of
tribal life in rural setting. The tribal life portrayal in this book is so strong and moving that it
can easily move the readers. The people of this criminal tribe are slaves of their senses and they
do nothing except slavery, pick-pocketing, bribery, murder or robbery. Man is a slave of
circumstances and these circumstances never let him live serenely in his real life. If a person is
born in a low caste or tribe then, more or less, his/her identity is dissolved. The Branded
explores that caste-discrimination, human violence, thievery, corruption, imprisonment and
poverty are the dominant themes in it. This brand of thieves has been given to a particular tribe
which is expert in thievery and pick-pocketing.
Uchalya, literally meaning 'pilferer', is an autobiography of the life of a stereotyped
underdog but of a representative of a part of society thriving on petty crimes. The
autobiography is an emotional satire on social discrimination and a truthful account of the
author's life brought up in the Uchalya community. He outlines in all their intricacy and

20. 17
poignancy the inner feelings, sufferings and emotional complexities of a tribe viewed as
criminals in the past history. The autobiography has the freshness of rugged honesty written in
a style natural by sophistication and therefore has become unquestionably valuable as a socially
important document besides being a powerful literary work. (Laxman, 2014)
American autobiographies are African Black slaves transported to America whereas
characters from Indian Dalit autobiographies belong to the lowest section in Indian social
structure. All these autobiographies deal with the theme of discrimination either on the basis
of race or caste. Defying the mainstream classification of literatures, they bring together
multiple facets of marginalized experiences together and they function as autobiographical,
life-writing depicting collective community biography and trauma, all at the same time.
Reading such narratives in the academic spaces would expand the horizons of readerly
experience resulting from the marginalized appropriation of mainstream spaces.
Taking autobiographies of both Black and Dalit writers into consideration, it becomes
apparent that what the Blacks and the Dalits are fighting for is freedom, equality and identity.
They want freedom from their oppressors, equality for all human beings irrespective of their
race or caste or gender and identity, not on the basis of race/caste, but on the basis of the work
done by them.

21. 18
Chapter 5:
Racial Discrimination and International Laws
India is a diverse country which consists of 28 states and 9 Union Territories and thus
promoting “unity in diversity” and takes pride in multi-cultures and diversity. But according
to the World Values Survey, India is considered to the 2nd most racialist country where the
individuals from different nations been tested in a different way totally based on skin colour,
their origin or any their particular feature that are quite different. Mostly the Africans were
affected in India and had been denied living and many times been attacked and killed. The
bias and generalization are very obvious.
The Constitution of India is that article which contains the civil liberties and human freedom
to all Indians so that they can live in harmony and agreement. Article 143 and 15 are the most
significant which assurances Right to Equality and states the issue of discernment and arrange
for equivalent shield under laws in India. Article 154 forbids discrimination on the basis of
race. Class, gender or birth place. Nonetheless, the major irony in contrast to the danger of
racism is that although the privileges are accessible for the inhabitants of India but not contrary
to the Indian state and not in contrast to the discernment practised and dedicated by private
entities.
Non-discrimination is considered to be the main principle of international laws. A mortal
is a combination of different features and characteristics and these attributes generate
impediments and distrust amid the human relationships among the diverse-driven culture like
India. Beneath International Law, the prevention of racial discernment has been confirmed in
all treaties and International Court of Jurisdiction (ICJ). In 1965 UN Convention on All
Abolition of Racial Discernment5 defined racial discrimination and constitutes the
fundamental principle of rights of humans. Ever since then India has been a part of this CRED.
Legal frameworks and protections
Nationality discrimination is prohibited by various international human rights treaties such
as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the Convention on the

22. 19
Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. These treaties require states to take
measures to prevent and combat discrimination based on nationality.
At the national level, many countries have laws and policies in place to address nationality
discrimination. For example, in the United States, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits
discrimination on the basis of national origin in employment, housing, and public
accommodations. Similarly, in the European Union, the Charter of Fundamental Rights
prohibits discrimination on the basis of nationality or ethnic origin.
Way Forword
For the growth and sustainable living of India, we need to end racial discrimination and give
equal treatment to all its citizens, when everyone is equal before the law and India is declared
a secular country but when don’t have secularism in practice. We need to eliminate racial
discrimination and ethnic based discrimination from the country, provide opportunities and job
on the basis of qualification and talent and not the basis of skin tone or caste. You can worship
a black god, goodness kali but you can’t accept dark people as part of the society, when it
comes to race, creed, caste India can be called a controversial country within itself. We need
to impart education and treat Dalits as part of the society , provide them with all the
necessary things over which they have a right , bring an end to the social stigma which has
ruined the unity and integrity of India , the government should give equal importance to all the
culture practices and belief of the North-East region and make them more a part of the
mainstream society and encourage them, usually in colleges we have seen a discrimination
against North-East students because of their language issue and treating them as indifferent .we
need to ban this discrimination and bring in new laws and regulation which puts an end to racial
discrimination in India .We require social security in India.
Intersectionality
Intersectionality is a concept that recognizes the ways in which different forms of
discrimination can intersect and compound, creating unique experiences for individuals who
face multiple marginalized identities.
In the context of discrimination in India, intersectionality is particularly relevant. For example,
a Dalit woman may face discrimination not only based on her caste, but also on her gender.

23. 20
Similarly, a Muslim woman may face discrimination based on both her religion and her gender.
Understanding intersectionality is crucial to addressing discrimination in a comprehensive and
effective way.
Hope for future
Despite the many challenges that India faces in terms of discrimination, there is reason to
be hopeful for a future without it. In recent years, there has been increased awareness and
activism around issues of discrimination, with more and more people speaking out against
injustice. There have also been important legal and policy changes aimed at addressing
discrimination, such as the abolition of the practice of untouchability and the implementation
of affirmative action policies. While progress may be slow, there is no doubt that change is
happening, and that India is moving towards a more equitable and just society.

24. 21
REFERENCE
1. Anand, S. (2007) “Touchable Tales: Publishing and Reading Dalit Literature.
Narayana Publishing”.
2. Andrews, William, (1993) “African American Autobiography: A Collection of Critical
Essays”, Prentice Hall,
3. Angelou, Maya (2008) “All God’s Children Need Travelling Shoes”, Virago Press.
4. Blank RM, Dabady M, Citro CF, (2004) “Measuring Racial Discrimination. Panel on
Methods for Assessing Discrimination”, National Research Council.
5. Chowdhury, Meghna (2022) “This Problem Has a Name: How name discrimination
Impacts Indians Globally”, Free Press journal
6. Forbes (2022) “Accent Discrimination Is Still a Pervasive Issue In The Workplace”,
November.
7. Gaikwad, Laxman. “Uchalya: The Branded”, (Translation -2014) translated by P.A.
Kolharkar.
8. Kuper, Adam, (2004) “The Social Science Encyclopaedia”
9. Papori, Bora, (2019) “The Problem without a name: Comments on Cultural Difference
(Racism) in India”, Journal of South Asian Studies.
10. Pascoe, Elizabeth A.; Smart Richman, Laura (2009). "Perceived discrimination and
health: A meta-analytic review"
11. The Korean Herald (2020) “7 in 10 foreign residents say ‘racism exists’ in S. Korea”,
March
12. United Nation, (2018) “Prejudice and discrimination: Barriers to social inclusion”
13. Williams, David R.; Mohammed, Selina A. (2009). "Discrimination and racial
disparities in health: evidence and needed research"