- 6 of 7 - Public Stigma
I started my #MissionStigmaFree journey 3 months ago and this marks stigma type 6 of 7 – Public Stigma. In general, it has been tough digesting shame and disgrace impacts for any type of stigma, but public stigma specifically refers to broad societal sentiments of shame and marking individuals, groups, traits, and other attributes with disgrace. The sheer breadth and depth of the emotional, mental, and sometimes physical pain inflicted by public stigma is almost incomprehensible. Unfortunate proof that we as a society can be harsh.
Before I get to the hard results, I will start with a summary of some lighter research. Starting with a declaration that I am a fan of Hallmark shows – yes, groan if you must or celebrate with me because you are a Hallmark fan, too. Either way, keep reading because examples from several Hallmark movies have tackled various public stigmas and serve as relevant examples for all to learn from:
1. Color My World With Love – lead actors with Down Syndrome tell the love story of Kendall and Brad who get engaged and face ridicule for the decision from many, even those closest to them. The movie goes further to illustrate the challenges people with Down Syndrome may face daily such as dirty looks, unsupportive salesclerks, and others.
Check out the National Down Syndrome Society website for tools and resources: https://ndss.org/resources/
2. A Big Fat Family Christmas – debuted in 2022 and marked the first Hallmark movie starring a cast of mostly Asian actors. While the movie received polarized reviews for use of Asian and Chinese stereotypes, it is a prime example of public stigma as the main character avoids telling her co-workers about her family for fear she will be marked with disgrace because her own family fulfills some of the stereotypes.
Check out the National Council of Asian Pacific Americans (NCAPA) website for tools and resources: https://www.ncapaonline.org/member-organizations/
Check out the National Asian American, Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate Crimes self-reporting data: https://www.asianpacificpolicyandplanningcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/STOP_AAPI_Hate_National_Report_3.19-8.5.2020.pdf
3. Field Day – this movie on the surface does not jump out at you as illustrating public stigma. However, the stigma is described vividly as the mother relocates with her daughter to a new town to be close to family, but more specifically, to remove themselves from a community that stopped being friends with them because the father died. While it is unchartered and uncomfortable territory for most to support a friend through significant loss, it is another thing to avoid them or stop being friends with them altogether.
Check out the American Psychological Association (APA) website for tools and resources: https://www.apa.org/topics/grief/tools
Check out the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) website for tools and resources: https://www.nami.org/Personal-Stories/Grief
Moving beyond the lighter side of research from Hallmark movies, two additional, very relatable, and harsh public stigmas are related to those who contracted the AIDS/HIV and COVID-19 viruses. It goes without saying that both of these viruses led to global pandemics, both were publicly discussed, and both led to public shame of infected individuals. With COVID-19 being the most recent pandemic, it is easy for most to think about how perceptions of something as routine as coughing now elicits negative emotions, thoughts, and actions by so many.
Getting into the even harder realities of my research … If you grew up in the 80’s, you would remember the public stigma associated with HIV/AIDS, which included fear, discrimination, and misconceptions. For those who did not grow up in the 80’s, you can learn a lot about the perceptions during that time by watching the movie starring Tom Hanks called, “Philadelphia.” As a prelude of the harsh realities you will see and hear in the movie, the initial designations of AIDS/HIV were “gay syndrome”, “gay plague”, and the first name given to the disease “GRID (Gay-Related Immune Deficiency)”.
After 35 years, a lot more is known about AIDS/HIV and World AIDS Day (Dec 1) is an international observance day that aims to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and show support for those living with the virus. The day's focus is on reducing HIV-related stigma and promoting understanding and support. Tools and resources can be found at www.HIV.gov.
As I started this summary for my journey #MissionStigmaFree, I declared that public stigma has been the broadest impacting stigma, which also made the hardest to research because of deep empathy for those dealing with this type of stigma. I could not be prouder of taking on this journey to learn more, identify credible resources through Associations to increase understanding, and equip myself and others with tools to stop stigmas.
Thank you for taking this journey with me!