Many studies have focused on gender, racial discrimination and other forms of discrimination in parallel. A study revealed that gender discrimination and was a pervading phenomenon in the United States prior to the 1970’s (Jackson et al. 437). The subsequent emergence of powerful women rights lobby groups increased advocacy for gender balance and equality. While investigating the effect of racism among the minority population in the United States, Research has found out that racial discrimination and prejudice has profound effect on the minority population, especially among the black community in the country. These communities have been excluded from critical social services like health and sanitation, education and information technology. Increasing incidences of gun violence on the basis of race buttress the notion of a racially divided society (Jackson et al. 439). This paper draws a comparative analysis of the dynamics of gender and race. In particular, the paper explores the causal relationship between gender and race in light of The Complete Maus.
The relationship
Gender discrimination may combine other forms of discrimination. These forms include race, religion, ethnicity and social economic status. A study revealed gender differences in the use of information technology among African American and Caucasians. The differences in the use of IT was based on income and education (Jackson et al. 437). However, demographic features such as gender and age also contributed to the digital divide. Today, the differences in the use of IT has been based on the racial divide. African Americans have little access to the IT infrastructure. The Fourth World Conference on Women emphasized that gender discrimination has a causal relationship with racial discrimination. When these factors compound, they create barriers for women, hence limiting their empowerment and progress.
Racial discrimination facilitates gender discrimination. A study found out that public offices dominated by white staff exhibited racial discrimination towards the minority members of staff. This discrimination was more severe among minority males compared to minority females (Sidanius & Rosemary 47). This discrimination has a historical context. In the period of slavery, the white male officers discriminated black male slaves and often assaulted their wives. It was not uncommon to see children born of a white slave owner and a black slave. The perception among black male slaves towards their white slave masters was bad.
Racial prejudice manifest in the Complete Maus at the beginning of the Nazi Holocaust. The displacement of the Zylberbergs and their subsequent deportation into ghettos depict the intensity of racial segregation. The segregation of the Spiegelmans and their subsequent deportation into Auschwitz confirms the existence of racism across the globe. The Complete Maus is reminiscent of the events that characterized slavery in the United States. In this regard, the historical background of the racial problem enhances the understanding of racial discrimination and its relationship with gender discrimination.
Both gender discrimination and racial discrimination involves giving preferential treatment of a person at the expense of another person. While gender discrimination gives undue favor to a person of one gender, racial discrimination favors an individual from one race at the expense of the other race. Both discrimination occur in social places such as sports, institutions of learning, political organizations and economic associations (Sidanius & Rosemary 47). Both forms of discrimination result from inhumane and barbaric relationships that pities the villain against the victim. Unfair racist and gender systems promote incidences of discrimination.
The major cause of the gender and racial discrimination is the history of inequality that has pervaded the United States of America. Despite efforts to reduce inequality among the sexes and races, the success of this campaign has not impacted in the communities that experience these forms of discrimination. The struggle by one race to dominate the other races has contributed significantly to racial divide. This struggle has been influenced by the desire to control resources and political power. In so doing, the dominant race confines the other races to poverty, discrimination and trauma (APA 1). Coincidentally, gender discrimination causes trauma and discrimination to the victims.
The effect of these forms of discrimination have been severe. Women have received biased treatment in the workplaces. In some cases, employers have demanded sexual favors to give women positions of leadership in the workplaces. Thus, the primary cause of gender discrimination is the persistent favoritism towards men. The effect of this cause is seen in the high rates of turnover in some workplace settings. Women who feel abused opt to resign from workplaces. Turnover may lead to reduced productivity because an organization that loses its best workers may not live to its fundamental mission and vision. Sidanius and Rosemary observed that discrimination along gender and race encourages violence (47). For example, the recent cases of gun violence in America underscores the reality of racial divide in the country.
Despite the causes and effects of racial and gender discrimination, various interventions can be embraced to reduce the effects of discrimination. Governments, religious and non-governmental organizations across the globe should recognize the reality of discrimination and increase efforts aimed at enhancing the quality of life of victims of discrimination. In the United States, the minority population should be assisted to overcome discriminatory practices that the system promote.
Conclusion
This study has revealed the causal relationship between gender discrimination and racial discrimination. By drawing lessons from the Complete Maus, the study discovers that discrimination is an historical concept that finds its root in the days of slavery and struggle for governance among societies. The causes of gender discrimination and racial discrimination are interrelated because they are informed by the desire to gain undue advantage above the rest. The effects of these forms of discrimination include trauma, violence, and social exclusion.
Works Cited
American Psychological Association. "Psychological causes and consequences of racism,
racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerances." World Conferences against racism. Durban: South Africa. 2016. Available at http://www.apa.org/pi/oema/programs/racism/un-conference-plenary.aspx
Jackson, Linda A., et al. "Race, gender, and information technology use: the new digital
divide." CyberPsychology & Behavior 11.4 (2008): 437-442.
Sidanius, Jim, and Rosemary C. Veniegas. "3 Gender and Race Discrimination: The
Interactive." Reducing prejudice and discrimination (2000): 47.
