Slippery slope of self-definition
The North Carolina vs. Federal Justice Department face-off boils down to how we are allowed to define ourselves.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination due to “race, color, religion, sex and national origin.” This protection includes those with legitimate disabilities.
However, defining ourselves by how we feel is arbitrary at best.
Not far fetched examples: College scholarships could depend on if we relate to a minority class or what we perceive is our disability? Should we be allowed to park in handicap parking because we feel physically challenged?
There would no longer be undocumented citizens since everyone in the U.S. would feel like a patriot.
Lack of clearly defined criteria for inclusion into social groups must be carefully considered. Once granted, a “right” cannot be taken away.
Watch our NBA … I’m feeling like a power forward today.
Richard Gregory, Fresno
This story was originally published May 9, 2016 at 2:08 PM with the headline "Slippery slope of self-definition."