the imaginary community becomes a place for the transaction of mean-ing, and access is achieved through an understanding of these meanings
How does the stigmatized person respond to his situation? In some cases it will be possible for him to make a direct attempt to correct what he sees as the objective basis of his failing, as when a physically deformed person undergoes plastic surgery, a blind person eye treatment, an illiterate remedial education, a homosexual psychotherapy (Goffman, 1963, p. 18).
Goffman, E. (1963). Stigma Notes on the management of spoiled identity.