ABSTRACT
People who are directly affected by HIV/AIDS and who are also from ethnic minority groups experience many different levels of racism and stigma, both covert and overt. Although it is always difficult to measure racism, it can be even more difficult to disentangle the multiple experiences of stigma and prejudice when these are compounded by HIV. This chapter examines such experience in two specific minority ethnic groups living in the same place: the United Kingdom. People belonging to one group, the Irish, are largely white, and have full legal rights to travel and work in Britain. The other group, south Asian, are largely black, and are highly restricted in their rights to travel to Britain, although once admitted as legal residents they have the same full rights. The two groups share a history of British colonial rule in the country of origin, of violent conflict to end that rule, and of varied experience of racism and prejudice. Both would identify with Franz Fanon concerning the experience of colonialism:
The colonial migrant in the ‘mother’ country cannot win. At best s/ he can only resist the worst effects of the institutionalised historical relationship between the two cultures. Attempts at assimilation are rebuffed or treated with a certain specific kind of contempt. Attempts to preserve the native
culture intact are regarded as open acts of defiance and a denigration of the host culture. Every instance of contact with the colonist Other is potentially fraught with anxiety for the migrant. To be accepted s/he must act in accordance with the stereotypes the host culture imposes as long as they are positive ones of the happy go lucky, easy-going and cheerful native. (Fanon, 1970, quoted in Greenslade, 1991, p. 16)
Both of the ethnic groups described in this chapter have a specific experience of racism and prejudice. Taking on board the issues of AIDS appears to many members of these two groups to be asking for trouble; it is to invite further prejudice and exclusion from the mainstream society in which they are living. Additionally, a central part of the identity of these two groups is linked to a strong ethical and moral code, and closely associated with traditional family structures and religion. To fully understand the impact of the stigma of AIDS on these two ethnic minority groups, it is important to give a brief description of the specific experience of racism and prejudice within each, in its own terms. We will then go on to examine policy implications for the work of community-based organizations working with HIV/AIDS in the two communities. Later, work around prevention care and support will be discussed, with reference to the way in which racism and stigma hinders that work. Lastly, we present future options for models of good practice, and the need for cooperation through networking at European and international levels.
