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What Happens When Discrimination Becomes Debilitating?

By: Art Gib

As individual human beings and as citizens or residents of the United States of America, our identities are often complex because there are so many dimensions to what makes us who we are. Religion or non-religion, cultural heritage, sexual orientation, and gender are just a few of these. At any given time in our lives, we can belong to a number of minority groups.

For many, understanding their identity, even if it places them within a minority group, can bring a sense of pride and help them develop relationships with kindred spirits who understand what it is like to be Korean-American or Hindu or transgendered. Associations like these are what make us each unique in a society that is anything but a melting pot.

But unfortunately, in some instances and in some of the most crucial areas of life, these aspects of our identity are held against us by other individuals who are somehow uncomfortable with or ignorant to who we are and what that means.

I would venture to guess that everyone experiences such discrimination to some degree at one point or another in life, but it is often trivial. Yes, it may be irritating, but perhaps unimportant in the grand scheme of life.

But what happens when that discrimination is seriously debilitating? What about when it is when you are seeking employment or are terminated from a current job? What about when you are seeking a new residence or are tossed from your current living situation?

These are very serious problems, and you have an obligation to take on people in those positions. There are laws to protect you, and you need to take action so that no one else suffers as you have.

First, you want to gather all pertinent communication between you and the offending party. If the communication is ongoing, save everything and try to develop a solid argument for why they are discriminating against you.

Now, keep in mind that discrimination can occur not only against your race or national origin, religion, or disability, but also against you if you have a certain marital status or even if you have children! Try to pinpoint exactly why they might be treating you unfavorably, and see if the communication backs up your argument.

You need to take action against the offender quickly. In many states, you only have six months to file a formal complaint with the Human Rights Commission. So contact an attorney as soon as you can for a consultation. An attorney will be able to go through the evidence you have gathered and let you know about the strength of your case--and how to make it stronger.
Even if you haven't gathered all of the evidence you need, don't hesitate to get in touch with a local attorney. They will be able to give you the best counsel about the action to take. Don't hesitate--follow your gut feeling, and make sure that bigotry is put to an end.

Article Source: http://www.newarticledaily.com

Craft & Sheppard PLC (www.craftsheppardlaw.com/) is a full-service Tennessee law firm that offers personal and business advisory, and litigation services to our clients. Art Gib is a freelance writer.

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