Racism, HIV/AIDS and Africa: Some issues revisited

Much has been written about the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in Africa, and many countries are facing the gravest health and development crisis in their history. Despite this, there continues to be a tendency to misunderstand the nature of the African situation and response. Not infrequently, in both official and popular discourses, Africa is presented in an overly homogeneous way - as a socially undifferentiated but chaotic continent, characterised by exotic peoples and practices. Where do such ideas come from, and what forms of racism do they generate? This paper offers a critical reading of 'African AIDS' and the discourses upon which it feeds. It highlights the role of colonialism and neo-colonialism in producing and reproducing images of Africa as helpless and in need of 'assistance'. It points to the continued impact of such ideas on international development policy and practice. Finally, it sketches an alternative framework for understanding that is likely to prove more empowering in the generation of a differentiated but regional response.