👉 Stigmatizing, also known as stigmaphobia or stigmatization, is a form of discrimination that involves labeling and treating people with negative connotations or characteristics in a way that reinforces stereotypes. This can range from physical appearance to mental health conditions such as mental illness or autism spectrum disorder. In the context of politics, stigmatizing can refer to the practice of using negative language or labels to criticize political figures, policies, or actions, which can lead to misinterpretation and even violence