Among the three lectures, I find the lesson on stigma most interesting. According to Goffman (1963), stigma is “an attribute that is deeply discrediting”. In this journal, I would retell my experience to regeneration centre, relate it to stigmatization theories, and finally reflect on myself.
When I first learnt this course requires students to visit regeneration centre, I was a bit afraid. This is because I had no previous experience interacting with mental illness patients, and most importantly, I was afraid that they might harm me. Before this course starts, I only learn mental illness patients through media. At many times, media would mention them when they commit a crime. Thus, a negative image was created by the media, and is received by the general public. Hence, I viewed mental illness patients negatively. I am not the only one who sees mental illness patients with prejudice; my friends also share the same problem. This can be illustrated by my friends’ worrying responses when they knew I was visiting the regeneration centre.
When the visit took place, I arrived there with cautiousness. As recovered mental illness patients arrived, I was surprised. Looking from their appearance, there is no difference …show more content…
I felt ashamed when I discovered my perception is not the reality, I felt guilty for my ignorance. I believe this is not only my problem, but is also a social problem – the whole society lacks the knowledge of mental illness. I think mental illness should be promoted more through mass media, so as to eliminate the problem of lack of knowledge which is the cause of stigmatization. Although some might argue that there are already many channels for spreading equality of mental illness patients, the promotion is still inadequate. We should promote more information about mental illness through mass media so as to alleviate discrimination against
When I first learnt this course requires students to visit regeneration centre, I was a bit afraid. This is because I had no previous experience interacting with mental illness patients, and most importantly, I was afraid that they might harm me. Before this course starts, I only learn mental illness patients through media. At many times, media would mention them when they commit a crime. Thus, a negative image was created by the media, and is received by the general public. Hence, I viewed mental illness patients negatively. I am not the only one who sees mental illness patients with prejudice; my friends also share the same problem. This can be illustrated by my friends’ worrying responses when they knew I was visiting the regeneration centre.
When the visit took place, I arrived there with cautiousness. As recovered mental illness patients arrived, I was surprised. Looking from their appearance, there is no difference …show more content…
I felt ashamed when I discovered my perception is not the reality, I felt guilty for my ignorance. I believe this is not only my problem, but is also a social problem – the whole society lacks the knowledge of mental illness. I think mental illness should be promoted more through mass media, so as to eliminate the problem of lack of knowledge which is the cause of stigmatization. Although some might argue that there are already many channels for spreading equality of mental illness patients, the promotion is still inadequate. We should promote more information about mental illness through mass media so as to alleviate discrimination against