Introduction
Stigma is generally counterproductive in society. By definition it is the perception of disgrace associated with a circumstance, quality, or person. By manifest, it is often the complete and impulsive dismission of a “circumstance, quality, or person”, with no after thought as to the origins of this gut-reaction. Throughout history we have seen many instances of these taboo-like topics. During the 1980’s, people suffering from HIV/AIDS took the brunt of the disapproving glances and hushed comments from the general populace in the United States. Toilets seats were said to be contaminated and the sick were barred from working at deli counters. What was at first a quiet disdain for carriers of the virus evolved into full-fledged …show more content…
They stated that not only was the stigma present in their routine, day-to-day living, it was also present at the place of their healthcare provider. Essentially, not only were pedophiles fearful of being mistreated in the workplace, they also feared seeking medical and therapeutic help from the healthcare system. The researchers concluded that a study must be done to determine the extent of the presiding stigma. The results they found were shocking. An average of 21% of people- a number drawn from two separate polls- agreed that pedophiles were better off dead even if they had never committed a crime. Such an outcome is worrying. Should we really accept that we live in a society where nearly a quarter of people have such an aggressive disdain for other humans? The numbers resemble those you might expect to see fifty years ago but not in the 21st century. This type of blatant ignorance is left out of any serious conversations when it comes to social reform. If it was revealed that 21% of people thought that bipolar people would be better of dead without having committed any crime, there would surely be a noticeable outrage. The researchers conclude that, in light of these findings, it is important to educate healthcare professionals, especially doctors, of the prevalent stigma against people with pedophilia so that they can decrease unfavorable attitudes towards the group and provide better treatment
Stigma is generally counterproductive in society. By definition it is the perception of disgrace associated with a circumstance, quality, or person. By manifest, it is often the complete and impulsive dismission of a “circumstance, quality, or person”, with no after thought as to the origins of this gut-reaction. Throughout history we have seen many instances of these taboo-like topics. During the 1980’s, people suffering from HIV/AIDS took the brunt of the disapproving glances and hushed comments from the general populace in the United States. Toilets seats were said to be contaminated and the sick were barred from working at deli counters. What was at first a quiet disdain for carriers of the virus evolved into full-fledged …show more content…
They stated that not only was the stigma present in their routine, day-to-day living, it was also present at the place of their healthcare provider. Essentially, not only were pedophiles fearful of being mistreated in the workplace, they also feared seeking medical and therapeutic help from the healthcare system. The researchers concluded that a study must be done to determine the extent of the presiding stigma. The results they found were shocking. An average of 21% of people- a number drawn from two separate polls- agreed that pedophiles were better off dead even if they had never committed a crime. Such an outcome is worrying. Should we really accept that we live in a society where nearly a quarter of people have such an aggressive disdain for other humans? The numbers resemble those you might expect to see fifty years ago but not in the 21st century. This type of blatant ignorance is left out of any serious conversations when it comes to social reform. If it was revealed that 21% of people thought that bipolar people would be better of dead without having committed any crime, there would surely be a noticeable outrage. The researchers conclude that, in light of these findings, it is important to educate healthcare professionals, especially doctors, of the prevalent stigma against people with pedophilia so that they can decrease unfavorable attitudes towards the group and provide better treatment