Stop the Stigma

Illustration. PC: FB/STS

As a Person Living with Disability, is it any fault of mine, that I am born visually impaired; that on my way from work I get involved in a motor accident and lose a limb or, that suddenly I can hear no longer? Certainly not! These among others are most often improbable and undesired events that occur in the human world. Hence, if I am a disabled person, does that make me less human? If no, why do I suffer so much maltreatment and disregard?

We live in a society where some people are treated and regarded differently due to how they appear physically, specifically Persons Living With Disability (Henceforth—PLWDs). In extreme cases, PLWDs are labelled as disgraceful and accursed, when it's basically no fault of theirs but fate. Such infamous and 'subhuman' regard of PLWDs is what we call Stigmatization of PLWDs.

 Talking about the effects of stigmatizing PLWDs, the best way to better appreciate it, to me, is to have empathy for them – by putting yourself in their situation. How would you feel if you were underrated at a social event because of being a cripple, or bearing other disability? Indeed, such societal anomalies cannot be overruled, we know they really do happen. Immersing ourselves in their situation can make us better understand their plight; otherwise, some pragmatic effects of Stigmatization are discussed below.

Stigma can further compound the social difficulties experienced by people and lead to their solation and exclusion, with negative impacts on mental and physical health. Credit: dianova

Societal isolation that comes with the unhealthy treatment of PLWDs is a very dire condition. Marking them with abusive tags as in name-calling makes them feel intense rejection; with some seeing themselves as outcasts. They stay away from social activities and even educational or cultural gatherings. Except that the condition of a PLWD bans them from going to school or some social event, some fear being called names and hence refrain. Their academic and social lives are affected at the end of the day.

Seeing PLWDs as unfit for society can make them undergo severe depression: a situation in which they bear the mental impression of long-term inability to enjoy life fully, unlike everyone else. They tend to opine, that if nobody wants them, then they have no place here.

Except for very strong-willed individuals, those who cannot bear the situation go to the extent of taking their lives in a bid to end their agony.

Holding down PLWDs with stigma can blind society to their abilities – their talents, which can be of significant contribution to community and even national development. Turning down a student who is physically disabled from participating in a swimming competition when he or she knows very well they can perform exceptionally is an example of such a case. These among many others are ways in which the progress and happiness of PLWDs are hindered by stigma.

Can we effect a change in the situation?

Yes. We have various roles to play to correct the situation?

The first critical and practical step in doing away with the canker of stigma is by healing ourselves of stigmatization arising from our misconception about PLWDs that has blinded us and taken over our conscience. In effect, we have to change our thoughts about PLWDs. Instead of seeing and regarding them as societal misfits who carry bane, we have to reckon them first as human beings, and then as people with special needs. In that way, we can well incorporate them into every facet of society and give them the requisite respect.

 Again, we have to create an enabling and accommodating environment for PLWDs. If you know a PLWD who can perform well on an upcoming event, it will be prudent and proper to let them participate. We have to let others know why it is essential that we embrace such people with special needs.

 Every human being is entitled to a fair life which must be free of discrimination, this should be true of PLWDs. We must understand that they are people with special needs who require special treatment. As citizens we must make every conscious effort to stop the prejudice against PLWDs, incorporate them fully into society and be a vehicle of change in the community, for the voiceless.

By: Bright Rockson
Public Relations Officer, SID.