in/on

Little Girl Hi.Is it stigma in/on the face of people?

I wonder whether there is any coherence in the question. It should rather be: on people's faces.

The word 'stigma' is not commonly used to mean a mark or scar. It usually means a sign of social disgrace,.

eg Tom served time in prison for a brutal armed robbery. Now, because of this stigma, decent people do not want to be his friend.

eg It used to be a stigma if your mother was unmarried when you were born.

Clive

So what would you say then? Stigma in the face of society/ Stigma on the face of society?

OK. Here's another try:

What do you say "in/on the face" when a word to be used in front implies something that literally occurs on the face? For example, what would you say - "Racism is a stigma in/on the face of society"? It might be more common to say "a social stigma", but I am keen on know what you would say in my instance. Thank you.

If something is literally present on the face, use on.
She had a big smile on her face.
He had a smear of grease on his face.

A stigma is a (figurative) mark of disgrace, or stain on someone's character, that causes them to be held in lower regard by others. Racism is a stigma on the face of society doesn't really work.

Thanks, BJ. Actually that's my plight: stigma means what you describe, but implies "a scar/stain". So I only just wonder what one would say in such a construction - in or on.

I'd say

literally - eg Mary has a scar on her face.

figuratively - eg Racism is a stigma on American society
I wouldn't speak here of 'the face of American society'.

Clive

Stigma on, not in American Society?

I know you wouldn't say "the face of", but please do tell me which one (in or on) is applicable here.

on