syrjitään

Syrjitään is a Finnish verb meaning "to be discriminated against" or "to be treated unfairly." It is the passive form of the verb syrjiä, which means "to discriminate" or "to treat unfairly." The word is commonly used in contexts discussing social justice, equality, and human rights. It can refer to various forms of discrimination, including those based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or age. The concept of syrjitään is central to discussions about creating a more equitable society and addressing systemic biases.

The passive construction "syrjitään" emphasizes the experience of the person or group being discriminated against, rather than the actions of the discriminator. This phrasing often appears in legal documents, policy discussions, and personal testimonies. For example, a person might say "Minua syrjitään työpaikalla" which translates to "I am discriminated against at work." Similarly, reports might discuss "kansallisuuteen perustuva syrjintä" or "discrimination based on nationality." Understanding the nuances of this term is important for comprehending discussions about fairness and equal treatment in Finnish society. It highlights the societal challenge of ensuring that all individuals are treated with respect and dignity, free from prejudice and unfair practices.