What is discrimination?

What is discrimination? The Oxford Dictionary defines it as 'the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, especially on the grounds of race, age, or sex'. Or rather simply, treating someone differently or in a way that deems them inferior, based on their race, skin, or gender. For example, if someone were to be refused a promotion solely because of their race, or if someone was deliberately paid less just because she was a woman.  But this kind of discrimination hardly exists, because they are banned by laws, and most sensible people would see how discriminatory it is.  Let's take a look at some things that some people are claiming is discrimination. "I'm a foreign national so I cannot vote in elections of the country I reside in."---this is not discrimination. In most countries, you must be a citizen to vote in that country's elections.  "I'm a foreign national yet I can't get welfare benefits that allow me to live without working."---this is not discrimination.  "I go to a school for foreign nationals yet the tuition isn't free."---this is not discrimination. Most schools for foreign nationals do not receive taxpayer money from the host country.  "I was told to show ID of some sort at a hotel."---this is not discrimination. Depending on the hotel or payment method, even Japanese nationals must show their ID at times in the same situation. "My country's proverbs have been translated into another language."---this is not discrimination. In fact, it should be a wonderful thing that your country's proverbs are being introduced to other people.  "An illegal immigrant has been sent back to their home country."---this is not discrimination.  "I'm being criticised just because I'm (insert race/gender/sexuality)".---this not discrimination. Most likely it is your attitude and how you behave that is being critiqued. Let's look at a few examples outside of Japan. "A politician that has promised to deal with illegal immigration more strictly has been elected."---this is not discrimination.  "I lost the election just because I'm a woman!"---this is not discrimination. Most people wouldn't refuse to vote for someone solely because she's a woman.  "A famous model wore a kimono for a photoshoot."---this is not discrimination. "White women are wearing hoop earrings."---this is not discrimination. It would be tiresome to list all examples of the things that people have claimed to be racist or sexist.  Basically, the majority of what is called 'racist' or 'sexist' is not discriminatory at all. Actual and legitimate discrimination has declined compared to the past. Yet, there are people who feel they must be a victim at all times. These are the types of people who claim that something is discriminatory when it is not, and often are discriminatory themselves. If these types of people continue to behave this way, they will only continue to get disliked.