AEGiS-BKREV: Antibody Politic: AIDS and Society

Antibody Politic: AIDS and Society

New Clarion Press/Paul & Co. Publishers Consortium, PO Box 442, Concord, MA 01742. 164p., illus., index. (Issues in Social Policy). ISBN 1-873797-05-2, 1-873797-04-4pbk. $44.50, $16.95pbk.
Tamsin Wilton. 1992.

"The first aim of this book is to provide an accessible introduction to the subject for the non-specialist reader." To this end, the author has done a good job of presenting "Basic medical information, an overview of some of the major social issues and a potted history of the epidemic...along with a simple guide to safer sex and drug use." Although slanted towards what has happened in the United Kingdom, this book has given much basic information for all who read it. The title to the first chapter, "No longer someone else's problem: the social and medical impact of AIDS" says much. It is in this chapter that some historical perspective is presented. Wilton ends the chapter with the statement that there are three global AIDS epidemics: "The first was the unsuspected, silent spread of HIV from the 1950s to 1981. The second is the highly visible epidemic of AIDS which we are now witnessing. The third is what might be termed the social epidemic, the various reactions of fear, hatred, bigotry, denial and repression with which the peoples of the world have responded."

In chapter two, "Fire and brimstone: press coverage of AIDS and its consequences" one realizes how many social problems AIDS has created. Some of these problems have always been there, but now AIDS can be blamed for their perpetuation. Such things as the gay plague years, overt and covert homophobia, guilt by differentiation, blame, sex and drugs, and death by misinformation are discussed. Such statements are brought to the readers attention that have been around--"because they believed that it only affected gay men," "gays are not worth worrying about," and "Wrath of God Syndrome." The third chapter discusses AIDS and women while the fourth covers AIDS and racism. AIDS in women is a growing concern both heterosexually, and in lesbians. AIDS in Africa is something that has to be reckoned with by the world health agencies. Here is where racism is very evident. For example, in South Africa, "Whites have a doctor-patient ratio of 1:330, while for Blacks the ration is 1:1,200." AIDS is definitely a "disease of poverty" in Africa.

The fifth chapter presents what has been done to work with the epidemic through experience and expertise. Community action, volunteering, and cooperation have become key to fighting this epidemic both in Britain and throughout the world. There are frightening consequences if nothing is done and governments are well aware of this, even if they do not admit it. Finally, it is pointed out that there is much to be ashamed and angry of. "Medical interest was slow to get started, unwilling to devote energy to something which appeared to affect only gay men and to offer no kudos or financial reward. The medical industry now, policed though it undoubtedly is by AIDS activists, continues to exploit the tragedy of AIDS for profit, while the political and religious establishments of almost every nation in the world continue to exploit AIDS for their own political and ideological ends." This is a recommended book for all who are interested in the social implications of the AIDS epidemic and deserves a place in all academic and medical libraries. (H. Robert Malinowsky)

Keywords: Social Issues, Medical Impact, Media, AIDS and Racism

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Copyright © 1993 - The University of Illinois at Chicago. All materials in the journal are subject to copyright by the Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois and may be reprinted or redistributed for the noncommercial purpose of scientific or educational advancement granted by Sections 107 and 108 of the Copyright Revision Act of 1976. For other reprinting, redistribution, or translation, address requests to H. Robert Malinowsky, University of Illinois at Chicago Library, PO Box 8198, Chicago, IL 60680 or electronically to hrm@uic.edu.

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