Stigma

(Definition)

• Physical disabilities or extreme conditions
• Blemishes of individual character (addiction, sexual behavior)
• Tribal (race, ethnicity, religion)

(not immediately known stigma) passing by

e.g. can't read or write

(a known or would be evident stigma) covering

minimize tensions and effect of stigma on others

1. Visibility
2. Obtrusiveness

extent to which it interferes with interaction

e.g. a person with a speech impediment encountering someone who does not know how to deal with a speech impediment

• Direct attempt to correct condition

e.g. cosmetic surgery

• Correct situation indirectly

e.g. blind man can climb Mt. Everest

• Use stigma as exuse, or blessing in disguise

• can create unusual cirumstances
• may do things that may be patronizing
• Those who are stigmatized have experience with the stigma