FOR YOUTH

INFORMATION BY TOPIC

I am being discriminated against because of the color of my skin. What can I do about that?

Discrimination, stigma, racism, and prejudice are all words that refer to a person being negatively judged and acted against because of the way they look, the country they are from, their culture/ethnicity, or their religion. People can also be discriminated against if they have no money or housing. In many places there are laws against this, even though it still happens a lot. If you think this is happening to you, whether it involves being insulted, assaulted, or denied things (e.g., work), here are a few things to think about/look into:

• See the section on stigma of homeless persons for ideas about ways to cope that can be helpful (link here)
  
  
• You may want to consider talking to a youth counsellor about this for support.
  
  
• Many youths find it helpful to seek various forms of support (e.g., services, legal help, advocacy) in a group/service that is specific to individuals of their ethnicity/cultural background. (see link here for groups and support related to sexual orientation). Many youth may find that methods of help and healing are more effective when it is provided in a way that is based in their cultural beliefs and practices. Some groups (e.g., Aboriginal persons) have many services and a lot of information available that can be very helpful. You can look for such services in your own area with the phone book, through web searches, or by asking at a youth service. Aboriginal youth may want to go to websites such as Aboriginal Canada in Canada. Aboriginal youth in the United States and Canada may also be able to access federal programmes and funding specific to Aboriginal persons.