Personal physical disfigurement

Physical imperfections
Socially disturbing impairments
Disfiguring impairments

Nature

People who are born with, or have suffered, disfigurement, are very often scared in their dealings with other people almost every social situation. Disfiguring impairments include those with a potential to interfere with or otherwise disturb social relationships with other people. This includes conditions that may be the consequence of specific diseases, such as disfigurement, as well as disorders that may impair control of bodily functions in the manner that is customary and socially acceptable.

Deviations from facial stereotypes have become synonymous with uncertainty and discomfort. Certain facial features (such as clear skin, rosy complexion, well-defined eyes) are sufficient in themselves to enhance social standing. Disfigurement distorts and disorganizes the signalling mechanism in interpersonal relations. Facial movements (such as smiles or frowns) are misinterpreted or unacknowledged. The absence of good looks is frequently associated with suspicious character. Disfigurement is a major obstacle to forming relationships, securing jobs and using public transport, for example. Children suffer particular problems from being teased. Many benefit from counselling and self-assertiveness training to help cope with being stared at, shunned or mocked.

Background

Personal physical disfigurement has been recognized as a significant global concern since the early 20th century, when advances in medicine and war injuries brought visibility to those affected. The problem gained further attention with the rise of reconstructive surgery and advocacy by disfigured individuals, highlighting social stigma and psychological impacts. International organizations and support networks have since documented the widespread prevalence and complex challenges faced by those living with disfigurement, prompting ongoing research and policy discussions.

Incidence

Personal physical disfigurement affects millions globally, resulting from congenital conditions, accidents, violence, disease, or medical interventions. The World Health Organization estimates that over 100 million people live with significant facial or bodily disfigurement, often facing social stigma, psychological distress, and barriers to employment and education. Incidence rates are notably higher in regions with limited access to healthcare, conflict zones, and areas with high rates of traffic or industrial accidents.
In 2022, a chemical plant explosion in Gujarat, India, left dozens of workers with severe burns and permanent disfigurement. Many survivors reported ongoing discrimination and challenges reintegrating into their communities.

Claim

People's responses to disfigurement makes victims vulnerable. It robs them of privacy and dignity. Apprehension and dread, in addition to the normal social anxieties and nervousness, accompany disfigured people wherever they go as they wait for the inevitable questions: jokey, curious, pitying. Disfigurement is associated with the darker side of culture. It is the damaged, the deformed, the bad and the ugly. Attitudes are struck in responses of ridicule, rejection, contempt, humiliation and defeat or a grossly maudlin and misdirected pity.

Counter-claim

Rejection of the disfigured is at its basis a biological drive to reproduce only the best of the species. It is a survival instinct. While any one individual does not have to succumb to this instinct most are quite unaware of it and simply follow it.