The sting of stigma ~ cruel jest wielded with force, needled by
fear, anger and derision
shame, blame, and helplessness.
Peeling away
stigma’s black mark
from eyes blinded by
ancient, recent and modern
law, cultural mores and learning,
is painful to think about.
A bitter pill to swallow,
but unconditional antidote ~
Respect and compassion
Kindness and detachment
Stigma
is not cured by indifference
does not tolerate indifference.
Aging ~
stigmatized rather than honoured
crumples mind, body and soul.
“Ageism is as odious as racism and sexism.”
~ Claude Pepper
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