We live in an integrated world where our existence affects and is affected by the actions and even thoughts of those around us. This forms the basis of how we are treated in society. No matter what our potential or calibre, whether we are successful in what we do is to a certain extent influenced by how we are perceived.
Perceptions that are prevalent in society more often than not stem from existing stereotypes. This is why most women working in male-dominated work areas like engineering, astronomy and computer sciences often face workplace sexism and are subject to a lesser salary than their equally qualified male counterparts. This doesn’t happen because women in these specific fields perform less than men, but because of the existing stereotypes that influence how their employers perceive them and their contributions.
In my home country, India, class ascendancy and caste-based discrimination is extremely prevalent. While it was started, because of a complex creed, its notions prevailed in society, because Indians continued to view those belonging to the lower caste as less than human. Their perception of the lower caste population continued to be degrading and demoralising and it was this very thought process that continues to make its way into how the lower caste members are treated in Indian society.
We can change the way that we are perceived in society. We need to challenge the stereotypes that have seeped into our institutions. We need to create an egalitarian space for ourselves and for the members of the section of the society that we represent where our potential can grow beyond the limitations that had been previously set for us.
- The reader is a student based in Dubai.
