ALQ,June 2005 Edition - Stigma and Discrimination

Editorial...
It is in light of the seemingly persistent violation of rights, marginalisation and exclusion of people and groups of people that this issue of the ALQ focuses on stigma and discrimination based on, and in the context of, HIV and AIDS. The various articles in this issue examine the meaning, causes and understanding of stigma and discrimination, as well as the various realities of stigma and discrimination as experienced by people living with HIV and AIDS, by young people, by lesbian and gay people, as well as by prisoners. This issue also introduces two new integral features to the ALQ, namely a 'regional view' and a 'provincial view'. The former introduces the HIV and AIDS realities and challenges of Namibia and the latter explores some of the experiences and challenges unique to the Limpopo province.

In this issue, David Patient and Neil Orr explore the theory and meaning, as well as the causes of stigma in the context of HIV and AIDS. Analysing core questions as to why stigma exists, how it manifests itself in beliefs and behaviours, and some of the fundamental beliefs leading to stigma and suggesting measures, as to challenge and counter these very same beliefs, the article argues that as long as the core beliefs, leading to, and justifying the occurrence of, stigma are not challenged, stigma cannot, and will not, be addressed and thus, will continue to prevail.

Acknowledging prevailing homophobia faced by lesbian and gay people, Nonhlanha Mkhize looks at stigma and discrimination as experienced by LGBT people in various areas of their lives, as well as from various service providers, such as healthcare and police. She argues, that stigma and discrimination not only limit the extent to which information, resources and services can be accessed, but also that as long as these injustices are not addressed, human rights will remain but a dream for most LGBT people.

The extent to which stigma affects the behaviour of people living with HIV is looked at by Jason Wessenaar. He explores the effects of stigma and subsequent internalised stigma on behaviour, including sexual behaviour, and argues that as long as issues of self-image/worth are not an integral part of education and awareness programmes, many people will remain vulnerable to, and at risk of HIV infection.

Exploring the concept of 'everyone', Johanna Kehler examines questions as to how discrimination on the basis of age leads to the violation of rights, to stigmatisation and to blaming young people for the extent to which they are at risk of, and are vulnerable to, HIV infection. She argues that without addressing, or even acknowledging, the status quo of stigma and discrimination based on age, young people who are vulnerable to not only HIV and AIDS, but also to the violation of their rights, will become an accepted and justifiable reality.

The extent to which HIV and AIDS exacerbates the situation of human rights violation within South African prisons is discussed by Umesh Raga. Examining various constitutional and legislative provisions, as well as various judgements of the courts affirming the rights of prisoners, he argues that while the legislation is in place, it is the inadequate application and implementation that perpetuate the violation of prisoners' rights.

Limpopo, with its two unique realities of 'beauty', the 'Garden of Eden' and the 'beast', the lived HIV and AIDS realities, is introduced by Cecile Manhaeve. Exploring the various realities of Limpopo, she examines the challenges of accessing, and adhering to, ARVs and argues, that behaviour needs to change as much as people need to get involved for the 'right' reasons, to ensure the adequate implementation, and maximum benefit of, treatment programmes.

Damoline Muruko introduces HIV and AIDS realities in Namibia. Looking at the interrelation of social, economic and cultural factors that largely define individual choices about sexual relationships, she argues that it is Namibia's gender inequality that forms the basis for women's greater vulnerability to HIV and AIDS and that only a 'gendered' approach to HIV and AIDS education, awareness and prevention carries the potential to challenge and transform the power dynamics leading to women's greater vulnerability to HIV and AIDS.

Shamim Meer is 'making a point' about 'mainstreaming' and questioning whether or not the concept in its entirety has been understood. Analysing various confusions, misunderstandings, as well as resistance to, and fear of 'mainstreaming', she argues that it is the failure to address the underlying gender imbalances and women's subordination that leads to a situation in which 'mainstreaming' will continue to bypass its cause, which is to advance gender equality.

Exploring the meaning and various realities of stigma and discrimination in the context of HIV and AIDS, the recurring theme seems to be that stigma and discrimination manifest itself not only in attitudes and behaviours, but also in language; that stigmatising and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours are often determined by core beliefs and norms at a conscious and unconscious level; that stigmatising and discriminatory attitudes and behaviours are not only based on, and reinforced by, existing societal prejudices, as well as existing imbalances and injustices, but also support and reinforce the very same; that stigma and discrimination occur in all spheres of society; and that this reality prevails, despite constitutional and human rights provisions guaranteeing equality and human dignity for everyone. In addition, stigma and discrimination appear to have become largely societal acceptable and justifiable, since stigmatising and discriminating against the 'other' seem to 'conform' and 'adhere' to the societal perceptions and core beliefs of what is, and what is not, 'acceptable' and/or 'appropriate' behaviour.

Recognising the need to address stigma and discrimination in its various forms and realities, the question as to the how seems to have various answers, ranging from information dissemination, education and training to improving one's self-image/worth and challenging the status quo. However, the one approach common to all, is the dire need to not only challenge, but change the very same core beliefs of 'us' and 'them' explaining and often justifying the occurrence of stigma and discrimination. And if we are to agree that stigma is the extreme end of a discrimination continuum and that stigma is fundamentally based on core beliefs and norms, then we will have to agree that without challenging the very same core beliefs and norms, as 'unchallengeable' as they might seem, we will not be in the position to adequately address stigma and discrimination. In other words, if we are to accept core beliefs and norms to be the 'problem', then the 'problem' of stigma and discrimination does not seem to be the one that needs addressing and/or challenging. Thus, recognising the need to address stigma and discrimination seems to be the 'easy' part, as compared to the practical implementation of addressing and challenging the 'actual problem', the core beliefs, people's core beliefs, everyone's core beliefs.

And while this might seem 'impossible' to some, the fact remains that as long as we are not addressing and challenging the causes and 'roots' of stigma and discrimination, fundamental human rights and freedoms will remain but a dream for most of us...