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ACTIVITY 7
AIDS AND AFRICA: THE END OF DENIAL?
In "AIDS and Africa," Charles Larson provides much-needed and long-overdue understanding and perspective on an epidemic that is devastating Africa, particularly its women and children. Furthermore, the illness, since its inception, has affected the professional classes upon which the future of Africa much depends
Larson asserts that until recently, Africans were in denial about AIDS. What evidence does he present? What is the best long-term solution for the crisis, in his opinion? Why is a vaccine superior to drug therapy? Why is drug therapy unlikely to help Africans?
- Larson suggests that Westerners have been unable to address AIDS as an African epidemic because to do so, they would have to see sexuality in a totally different way.
- According to Larson, what function does sexuality serve for many Africans?
- Barrier birth control methods can decrease the risk of AIDS, but widespread use of birth control is unlikely to occur in Africa. Why?
- Why is AIDS a public health issue, not just a personal problem for its victims? Can governments curb the epidemic? What are the long-term effects of such a major crisis in less-developed countries?
- How have children been affected by AIDS in Africa?
- How has AIDS affected marriage? Traditional African values? Has polygamy contributed to the spread of AIDS? Why is polygamy practiced?
- How is poverty linked to the AIDS crisis? What should the West do? Although Africa is rich in resources, its people are generally poor. Do the corporations profiting from the products of Africa (i.e., diamonds, oil) have an obligation to help the continent?
- Larson focuses on three writings about AIDS. What role does he believe writers play in their societies? Note that two of these works have women authors and provide a narrative from the female viewpoint. What are the benefits of using literature to prove a point about a societal phenomenon? What are the drawbacks? Working in a group, make a list of each. Using your list, decide whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
- Alexander Kanengoni’s "Effortless Tears" tells about the funeral of his cousin, who died of AIDS. What is at the heart of his story? How is the scourge of AIDS associated with the scourge of drought on Africa?
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