Learning how to deal with discrimination is slowly becoming a necessity in today’s South Africa. Cases of discrimination are becoming so rampant that our youths now see it as a regular occurrence.
According to UNICEF, about 68% of South African youth consider discrimination as part of everyday life. They’ve experienced it in school, work, and community spaces, leading them to believe that it is inescapable.
Unfortunately, we cannot promise that you won’t experience discrimination. There will always be people who do not believe in equality regardless of race, gender, age, or disability. While we can’t always stop these people, we can protect ourselves.
In this article, we’ll show you how to deal with discrimination. You’ll get practical strategies to help you walk away from harmful people and situations, get justice if needed, and most of all, protect your mental and emotional well-being.
If you’re a South African teen dealing with discrimination, and you need someone to talk to, a place to pour out your emotions and receive support during this difficult time. Then please reach out to us. Our arms are open to receive you digitally, with online counselling that will keep you grounded.
How to Deal with Discrimination: Actionable Strategies for Protecting Your Mental Health
There’s only so much you can do when you’re facing discrimination. Being treated unfairly because of your race, gender, disability, social status, or any other reason is upsetting and can even feel dehumanizing. It’s something no one should go through, but many do in South Africa.
One of the most empowering things you can do is learn how to deal with discrimination in a healthy way. Knowing how to protect your mental health even in such a difficult situation is a powerful skill. In this section, we’ll show how to deal with discrimination and face those situations in the best way possible.
- Acknowledge your emotions: You need to name what you’re feeling. Understanding your emotions helps you regulate your mind and respond in the best way.
- Avoid internalizing blame: Remember, you are not at fault, and you are not any of the negative things they say to you or about you. Don’t internalize those words because they become a burden that you don’t deserve.
- Practice self-care rituals: One of the best ways to deal with discrimination is or practice self-care. You can push out the bad by overflowing with good from within. Self-care fills you with positive emotions that radiate out of you and remind you that you are worth all the love in the world.
How to Deal with Discrimination and Human Rights Violation
There are times when discrimination goes beyond unfair treatment and begins to infringe on your human rights. If you ever find yourself in a situation like this, here’s how to handle it:
- Know your legal rights: Every South African, both young and old, needs to know their rights. That way you know when someone violates those rights and you can report them to the authorities.
- Seek support from human rights organizations: There are organisations that deal with discrimination in South Africa. Some of them are the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC), and the Anti-Racism Network South Africa (ARNSA).
- Document incidents for protection: Take pictures and videos in case you need proof in the days to come.
How Do You Deal With Discrimination In School
Many students are never taught how to deal with discrimination in academic environments. This comes from our desire to believe such things don’t happen in schools. Sadly, this isn’t true. There is an unhealthy amount of discrimination that occurs in schools in South Africa.
Three incidents investigated by the South African Human Rights Commission detailed “alleged racism by learners at Pretoria High School for Girls; alleged racially discriminatory policies at Jeppe High School for Girls, and alleged racism by learners at Pinelands High School in the Western Cape.”
Dealing with discrimination in schools is particularly tough because it’s hard to believe that young people can harbour such negative emotions towards their peers. But this is the reality we live in so every teen needs to learn how to deal with discrimination at school.
How to Deal with Discrimination in the Classroom
Discrimination in the classroom can be in the form of cyberbullying, bias from peers or teachers based on race, gender, social class, or disability, discriminatory grading, or participation treatment.
If you are faced with any of these, here’s what you should do:
- Reporting to school authorities: It is the job of school authorities to intervene when a student is facing discrimination. Report your experience to them and they will handle it accordingly.
- Building a support system: School counsellors can guide students on how to deal with discrimination without fear of punishment. Support from friends can also help to navigate this experience. They can offer advice, speak up for you, and be witnesses when the matter reaches the school authorities. This is why positive peer influence is so important. It is one of the good types of peer pressure.
- Educating students: The more mental health awareness we create, the better. When more students know about the impact of bullying and racial discrimination, we bring ourselves one step closer to removing it from our schools.
- Seek professional help: Discrimination can cause trauma responses such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. If you feel the onset of this, then please reach out to a suicide helpline in South Africa to get free and private help.
How to Deal with Discrimination at Work Without Compromising Your Sanity
It’s important to know how to deal with discrimination in the workplace while protecting your mental health. You shouldn’t be fighting battles with your computer while also dealing with discrimination at work, but it’s actually more common than most people think.
There have been many incidents of discrimination in the workplace. Africanews reported a case of racial discrimination where a petrochemical firm in South Africa was accused of offering a share scheme exclusively to black staff. This led to a protest by the white employees.
Protesting is one way to get your voice out there and create change, but it’s usually only effective if you’re a large crowd. A one-man protest, while not completely ineffective, will still have less impact.
So here’s how to fight discrimination without the placards:
Document: Most offices have CCTV cameras, which might capture some instances of discrimination. Coworkers can also be witnesses if the matter escalates to court. However, be sure to document the incident on your phone as well because you can never truly know how your company or coworkers will react. The hope is that they will support you, but this might not be the case.
Report to HR: HR professionals play a key role in helping people who are dealing with discrimination in the workplace. They should be your first go-to if you’re ever facing unfair treatment.
Seek legal advice: Discrimination is often the first step to harassment and in advanced cases, assault. This is why it’s important to speak to a legal professional and get advice on the best way to move forward in the situation. They can help you figure out how to deal with unfair discrimination in the workplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to deal with discrimination in South Africa?
The best way to deal with discrimination in South Africa is to stay calm, document the incident, and report it to the right authority while protecting your mental health.
Can I take legal action if I face discrimination at school or work?
Yes, South African law protects you against unfair discrimination. You can report cases to the Human Rights Commission or seek legal advice to take further action.
How can teenagers protect their mental health when facing discrimination?
Teenagers can protect their mental health by not blaming themselves, practicing self-care, and reaching out to counsellors, friends, or support helplines.
Final Thoughts: Dealing with Discrimination Without Losing Yourself
Your journey toward healing begins with learning how to deal with discrimination. When you learn what to do in that situation, you can protect your mental health, report to the necessary authorities, and heal quickly.
We’d love to be a part of that healing journey—offering advice, wise counsel, and a listening ear. Our helpline is open for all South African teens who need a place to rest.
