Orange County California Discrimination Attorney

Stereotyping

“White people cannot dance.” “Gay men love show tunes.” “All Asians are really smart.” Whether the comment is meant as a compliment or insult, making an assumption about a person based on an innate characteristic like their race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation is offensive. A stereotype is a blanket belief of expectation about members of a certain group that presents an oversimplified view or prejudiced attitude. These generalizations are sometimes widely-held beliefs by one group of people about another group and are used to garner a feeling of superiority.

Stereotypes at work

Because of legislation such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, discrimination of individuals based on gender, sex, race, sexual orientation, or culture in the workplace or schools is illegal. As a member of the workforce, you should be aware that stereotyping can easily fall into what is considered discrimination. Holding different expectations of people at work based on the color of their skin or any factor other than their education, work ethic, and experience is stereotyping. All employees filling the same position should be held in the same regard and receive equal respect from coworkers and supervisors.

Your Rights

As an employee, you have the right to be treated as an equal and not a subordinate to your coworkers just because of the fact that you are a woman, or a homosexual, or any other trait that could be considered different. If you are retaliated against via harassment or termination because you do not fill a particular role that your employer expects based on your sex, race, religion, or sexual orientation, you are a victim of discrimination and you have the right to recover damages for suffering and wages lost.

If you have been the victim of discrimination or stereotyping in the workplace, contact Orange County employment lawyer Perry Smith at 888.356.2529 to discuss your case, your rights, and further legal options.