The evolutionary advantages of stigma

Can you post some of the links so we can all see them Michael?
Thanks,
Open Eyes

I think the stigma aspect is far more advantageous for those doing the stigmatizing than for those who are stigmatized. If an individual is stigmatized, they have a decreased likelihood of reproductive success, through various factors such as social pressure, including factors such as depression, which often reduces the sex drive. For more information, I recommend lectures.

Those sound a lot like the 'advantages' I have gotten from stigma.

Most of them reside in databases one has to be a paying member to see. However, I'll simply paraphrase the lot of them. They have all concluded that contact with someone who has the specific mental illness in question is most effective in reducing stigma. For example, personally speaking with someone or watching an "in the life of" video of someone with this or that mental illness will help reduce one's feelings of hostility and prejudice toward people with that specific mental illness.

Of particular note is a study conducted on a stigma reduction method called "In our own vioces". The method is a presentation given by people with the diagnosis in question - in this case, bipolar disorder. It was compared to a similar presentation on the same disorder, only it was given by a clinical psychologist. The first presentation was much more effective in reducing the participants prejudices towards people with bipolar disorder. Significantly more effective, for those of you who are scientifically minded.

For more, see: Rusch, et. al. (2008). The impact of In Our Own Voice on stigma. American Journal of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, 11(4), 373-389.

Another concept I find relevant is the Realistic Conflict Theory. This theory states that, where there is limited resources, there will be war. Or fighting. Or, at the very least, hostility. This is true for many species, incidentally. Nonetheless, it goes on to state that these hostile beliefs and rivalries can be remedied by putting the two groups in a position that forces them to work together toward a common goal. Again, a study was conducted on this - The Robbers Cave study. It's an interesting read.

The Realistic Conflict Theory is quite common, and you can find a basic explanation of it on Wikipedia.

This thread is really interesting and provided lots of food for thought. Thank you all.

(I want to contribute but I am feeling too shut down right now (from being stigmatized) to be able to write anything meaningful or useful)

But thank you all. Again. I guess I am absorbing right now.

Just reading all of these interesting posts has left me confused, angry, sad and exhausted, but I'm thinking of this: My mental challenges, and a lifetime of stigmas has taught me somethings: life isn't fair, and it only hurts worse when I don't accept that; don't dwell on things because my mind will land me in a dumpster somewhere; have a laugh, and don't take myself or others so seriously.

I am trying to focus on Mindfulness, and being in the Now; everywhere else seems to lead me to madness.