AIDS in Africa in the 20th Century Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

AIDS in Africa in the 20th Century - Term Paper Example food, clothes, etc. Soon enough, however, they are not only confronted with economic distress alone but also with an insurmountable social disaster. Apparently, two of the most prevalent social issues they are facing are stigmatization and discrimination. These issues are evident in a study about the women in Nigeria. This paper argues that these two social issues--stigmatization and discrimination--are the top reasons why AIDS survives up until the 20th century and beyond. Even so, both social issues worsen the problem of AIDS in Africa. Lastly, this paper suggests that if the government and other interventionists alike are really serious with their aim of eliminating AIDS in Africa, they should first gear their efforts on eliminating these two social issues. AIDS as a Social Construct Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome or AIDS is a condition brought about by HIV infection. As the disease’s name suggests, the HIV infection would make the body’s immune system deficient , making it more susceptible for other infections that may potentially compromise body functioning (Stolley and Glass 2009, 5). However, beyond this scientific definition, AIDS became known as a more complex problem. In a study by Keniston (1989, 2), he revealed that AIDS resonates problems in public health, politics, psychological processes, education, as well as issues regarding public attitude and morals. Moreover, Keniston (1989, 2) pointed out that AIDS is more of a social construct than a biological one. To date, it seems that the same still holds true. First and foremost, the spread of the virus is enacted within the sexual behavior of two individuals--clearly a social interaction. Second, cultural and social structures help shape and condition the behaviors and interactions that further spread AIDS (Keniston 1989, 2). For instance, the African society’s poverty prods women to engage in sexual trades, thereby, perpetrating the disease. Lastly, societal notions regardin g AIDS give rise to the concepts of stigma and discrimination, which contribute to oppression towards African women as well as to the worsening of Africa’s problem on AIDS. Stigma and Discrimination Stigmatization Defined In ancient times, stigma is a Greek term used to symbolize the mark on the flesh of a scandalous character, â€Å"a traitor, criminal, or slave† (Harvey 2001, quoted in Akanbi 2010, 3209). Additionally, a famous definition states that stigma is characterized as a â€Å"discrediting within a particular social interaction, as a spoiled social identity and a deviation from the attributes considered normal and acceptable by society† (Harvey et al. 2001, quoted in Akanbi 2010, 3209). Interestingly, a study made by Inside-Out Research (2003, quoted in Akanbi 2010, 3209) regarding South Africa, provides a two-fold definition of stigma: (1) internal stigma, an internal remorse that further makes the victim hide her condition, thereby, declining assista nce and access to resources, and (2) enacted or external stigma, which implies discrimination and society’s fear of association with a person who has HIV or AIDS. Factors That Brought Stigmatization A study asserts that certain natural and socio-demographic factors influence HIV/AIDS stigmatization and discrimination among women in Lagos State, Nigeria. Among these factors are related to what Liz

Rhetorics and Stereotypes Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Rhetorics and Stereotypes - Essay Example Rhetoric and stereotyping go well with each other especially that people are using rhetoric to influence and keep stereotyping in practice. Stereotyping is also â€Å"implanted† in the mind from the early age and it is difficult to battle with, especially that the rhetoric acts on the mind as a persuasive tool.   Stereotyping is the concept which binds people with similar traits or attributes in a particular class. Stereotyping has its positive and negative impacts. Most of the people associate it with the discriminatory act against groups. Stereotyping promotes the group evaluation and value rather than individuals. People belonging to one stereotype are presumed to have traits which are attributed to that particular class regardless of the individual identities of people and their traits. Stereotyping, hence, creates difficulties for people who belong to a particular stereotype group but have different traits like politicians who are mostly known as corrupt people regardless of the individual nature and qualities of politicians. Stereotyping and its effects are different on every group. This paper, however, aims to analyze the Politicians, Tattooed persons, feminists and senior citizens as the major discussion in the field of rhetoric and stereotyping. The tattooed individuals are bound together in a single stereotyping group as per their similar practice of tattoos on their body. The similar trait of signing tattoos may differ in design, maxims, slogans, message and size. This stereotyped group is often associated with rockers, punks, criminals etc. In other words we may say that these people are not regarded as reverend as soldiers, older people, teachers etc. the group called feminists represents those who are highly in favor of equality and/or superiority of women over men. The people associated with this group are more concerned about freedom and rights of women in the society. People often consider them to have the feelings of