Communication And Diversity
Communication takes many forms. The language we use should give a clear message that we value diversity and respect individual differences. We communicate with many people, face to face, by telephone, email, letter or fax. All types of communication have an impact on the recipient, and may be remembered for a very long time. The language used may have an effect on the recipients perception of us and may be repeated to other people.
The use of discriminatory, prejudicial or exclusive language indicates a lack of professionalism and encourages the exclusion, devaluing and stereotyping of groups or individuals. Discriminatory or exclusionary language may be directed at many different groups identified for example, by age, disability, gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
It is important to remember that language does not just mean the words you say. It can include visual representations and body language. The written or printed word in particular may have a far greater impact because of its permanence and the likelihood of it reaching more people.
Discrimination is legally defined as: Less favourable treatment to a person (or persons) which is not capable of being justified.
Discrimination can include treating people in the same circumstances differently and treating people in different circumstances in the same way
In 2009, there are currently six groups of people covered by discrimination legislation
Direct Discrimination arises when Person B is treated less favourably than Person A and the reason for this treatment is, for example, on the grounds of gender or race. Note that: Different treatment and less favourable treatment are not necessarily the same thing Person B may be a real or hypothetical comparator Rules which seemingly apply equally to all people may still be discriminatory as some groups of people can be placed at a greater disadvantage than others Direct Discrimination arises when Person B is treated less favourably than Person A and the reason for this treatment is, for example, on the grounds of gender or race. Note that: Different treatment and less favourable treatment are not necessarily the same thing Person B may be a real or hypothetical comparator Rules which seemingly apply equally to all people may still be discriminatory as some groups of people can be placed at a greater disadvantage than others.