Does everyone view discrimination as black and white?
Discrimination in all it's many forms, never comes in "it is" or "it isn't"
Intent plays a huge part.
If I ask a guy to get carts because I don't want to send the 80lb female cashier, is that sexist? Am I doing it because I don't believe the female can do it or am I doing it because I believe it will be easier for Andre-the-giant-looking Steve from the flow team to do it? Can an action be inherently sexist or discriminatory if it's done in good faith? I say generally no, but then we get into microaggressions and things like unconscious bias.
A little advice from someone who has been down this road and can share some lessons learned. Spend your time and energy on actions that make your situation better.
Do you think someone is truly discriminating against you? The first question you should ask is "What is the reality?" Are they actually being consciously discriminatory or is there a miscommunication there. The second question you should ask is "Do I care? The third question you should ask is "Why do I care?" And then, if you really feel strongly about it then you just need to stand the fuck up for yourself. Sorry not sorry. People are so inherently conflict-averse and validation-seeking it's insane.
People arguing over bias and discrimination on an internet forum isn't going to change anything. Challenge them. Challenge them until they acknowledge it. Do it respectfully, but don't accept a bullshit answer, ask why continuously to the point of absurdity until it's abundantly clear they're acting that way. People will not change until you challenge them, challenge their bias. Someone needs to make them see. By doing this you make the workplace better for yourself and everyone else around you.
