- Understanding stigma, discrimination and differential care with persons with HIV/AIDS
In the 1980s, as we began to learn more about the epidemiology of the AIDS pandemic world wide, clear
social/cultural themes began to develop in community settings regarding stigma and resulting discrimination
associated with AIDS diagnosis. We have selected two movies that students can watch to understand the
historical community perspective of AIDS in the 1980s and 1990s described below. Each film is credited with
helping to change community attitudes towards HIV/AIDS by showcasing experiences of individuals and their
families related to stigma and discrimination regarding HIV/AIDS.
As you watch the films, pay close attention to the social and cultural factors related to the diagnosis of
HIV/AIDS. After watching and reflecting on the issues raised in each film, you should begin the paper by
providing an overview and key themes of the movie. In the next section, select three characters and describe
the challenges they and their families experienced and how they overcame/resolved the challenges. In the final
section, explain how this movie and reflection will help you work with a wide range of medically complex
patients, both at community clinics and at Penn.
Students earn 4 hours of community credit for viewing one film and writing a reflection paper on the film:
• Angels in America, 1991 and 1993: Originally written as a two-part play by Tony Kushner, Angels in American
won the Tony and Drama Desks award for their performances on Broadway in New York. In 2003, HBO
created a six-chapter miniseries, now available on Amazon Prime, which won Golden Globe and Emmy
awards, and has been cited as the “best of the filmed AIDS portrayals”. Set in New York City in 1985-1986, the
miniseries portrays intertwined stories of individuals and their families and the challenges they face in light of
inaccurate scientific beliefs, homophobia, and racism. Students should watch at least two of the chapters (I recommend chapters 1 and 2, although all are good)
Sample Solution