Disapproval or discrimination based on perceived characteristics is stigma. A person or group is condemned, defamed, shamed, and rejected because of preconceptions, misinformation, or conscious decisions. Families, neighbors, employers, classmates, and fellow believers can stigmatize. Stigma originated in ancient Greek culture. Any visible mark, brand, or label placed on a person's body was considered tainted. For instance, a slave, a convict, or a violent criminal.