On Discrimination

Society operates under a complex set of unwritten rules that dictate the legitimacy of certain discriminatory preferences while condemning others

Discrimination: a word that ignites flames of moral outrage, fuels fervent debates, and casts shadows over our societal landscape. It embodies a spirit that silently infiltrates every corner of our existence, yet few are willing to acknowledge its presence within themselves.

The human tendency to consider or treat individuals based on class rather than merit lurks in the shadows of our collective consciousness, manifesting itself in various forms.

Consider a scenario: a woman expresses a preference for a female gynecologist over a male counterpart. Another scenario: a devout Christian refuses to make a wedding cake for a gay couple.

Both scenarios are examples of discrimination. But the former easily gets a pass while the latter incites outrage and cancel-culture from the public, especially in the  West.

Society operates under a complex set of unwritten rules that dictate the legitimacy of certain discriminatory preferences while condemning others. This raises a profound question: what determines the validity of one form of discrimination over another? Is it the sway of societal norms, the whims of personal emotions, or the cold grasp of legal statutes?

Reflecting on personal experiences sheds light on the intricate nature of discrimination. For instance, the unparalleled affection one feels towards a romantic partner, elevating them above all others, is undeniably an act of discrimination rooted in love. Yet, unlike other forms of discrimination, love enjoys the shelter of legal protection as a fundamental human right.

This is not a simple dichotomy of right versus wrong; rather, it is a nuanced exploration of the blurred boundaries between acceptance and condemnation. Much like the enigmatic nature of Schrödinger's cat, discrimination exists in a paradoxical realm where its presence is undeniable yet its definition in the moral landscape elusive.

In the early 20th century, after carrying out a bunch of experiments, scientists discovered that light exhibits both wave-like and particle-like behaviors. This means light is able to reflect, refract, etc, just like a wave. Also, it can have a localized position at any moment in time just like a particle.

BUT, scientists further discovered, both behaviors cannot be witnessed simultaneously. And the occurrence of any of these behaviors depends on the context of observation or the type of experiment being carried out.

I dare say, discrimination is light.