Use of ‘Stigma’ Perpetuates Stereotypes

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Editor,

“We’ve got to get over the stigma of mental health,” says an article in the Oct. 30 edition of the Indy.

No.

We have to get over validating the claim, abetting those people making the claim.

Never lend credence to a claim of “stigma”. The term intentionally disguises the realties behind it, prejudice and discrimination. The women’s movement told us unequivocally to end the bullying mind game, rape/stigma. Re-directing it does not alter the game, only the intended victim.

This from the Carter Center: “Stigma” has been wrongly used as an all-purpose term for the negative attitudes faced by people with behavioral health issues. However, increasingly reporters are using more precise terms, when warranted, such as “prejudice,” “bias,” “social exclusion,” or “discrimination.”

Supporting a “stigma” is never warranted.

 

Harold A. Maio, Ft. Meyers, Fla.

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