Discrimination based on race, color, gender, and financial condition is very common. But no one speaks about a type of discrimination that is perpetrated by those closest to us and is very prevalent. I am talking about thermal or thermatic discrimination – discrimination based on body temperature.
It’s especially prevalent in winter when people don’t want to hold your hands for long and in summer because the whole body either emits heat or generates perspiration. Let’s not even mention the rainy season because everyone is humbled during those days.
Unlike other forms of discrimination, I am both a victim and a culprit most of the time. For example, in our home, where the living room and kitchen don’t have AC, I established a rule of keeping a three-foot distance between people. However, in other situations, if I am a little warm, I receive suggestive derogatory remarks.
Nevertheless, no one talks about this. Health practitioners try to raise their voices, feebly uttering incomprehensible words like inflammation, but they haven’t yet addressed the much-needed emotional aspect of this discrimination, so no one protests (and where would they protest?).
Despite all this, there is a saving grace. As the saying goes, every dog has its day – the oppressor will get the chance to be the oppressed on a seasonal basis. Karma!