The social construction of acquired immune deficiency syndrome: The relationship between AIDS origin stories and white male supremacist (neo-Aryan) ideology

Lydia Rose, Purdue University

Abstract

In my view, consciousness refers to the full set of semiotic processes where the agents, objects and forces come from the material and social world. Any understanding that does not take the full nature of social intercourse under consideration is flawed. The social intercourse that occurs in the forms of communication and systems of exchange are associated with forms of social organizations that are necessary for their very existence. Ideology becomes important because it displays the image of the world as it ought to be from the perspectives of both dominated groups and dominant groups. I am employing Critical Race Theory as a perspective that interrogates the dominant ideological framework of American society--white male supremacy--as a means to participate in the social intercourse. I focus on AIDS and beliefs in AIDS origin stories not only as reflecting the hierarchial relations of power structures, but also as a discourse to enact and reinforce hierarchial relations. When we think about the system of domination associated with HIV and AIDS related illnesses, we know that certain messages from the ideological complexes will not be allowed to be presented. I find that the social structure offers many windows to examine the construction of and the opposition to social objects such as racism, sexism, gender oppression, sexualism, as well as other forms of group dynamics. AIDS is one site where these issues are both obvious and obscured. It is constant work to examine, document, and challenge the prevailing logics of oppression even when this logic is presented as a form of generosity. As part of the process, I examine a variety of points: methodology, cyborg politics, bodies and boundaries, cultural hegemony, sadism and masochism, and temporal refusal.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Lemelle, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Minority & ethnic groups|Sociology|Social structure|Political science

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