This paper conducts a historical and literary comparative analysis of the AIDS crisis as well as its current influence on contemporary society. It features an introduction of AIDS and its rise from 1981 until present day. The discourse, effects and consequences of the disease are then analyzed using Susan Sontag's theory on illnesses as metaphors which presents a view on AIDS as being linked to shame due to the connection to a deviant lifestyle, thus creating an 'us versus them' situation in society. With this situation, stigma rose due to the lack of information on AIDS, its causes, and the fact that the infected were seen as being non-abiding to the norms. Erving Goffman's theory on stigma is then used to elaborate what stigmas are, including terms such as passing and covering and W.E.B. Du Bois' theory on double consciousness to show how the stigmatized are aware of the stigma, and how they choose to deal with this. As theories and societal issues overlap, intersectionality is used to understand how and if the social categories are separated or understood as a complex experience of discrimination, and how these differ in the various examples. As AIDS is closely connected to a large number of deaths, Judith Butler's theory on grievability is used to show what makes a life grievable, which briefly summarizes whether a life is lived precariously or not. This precariousness is then determined by the norms of the society in question, and Pierre Bourdieu's habitus is used to show how these norms are created and interchangeable.
Ronald Reagan is included as an important figure as he stayed silent on the topic of AIDS for four years after the first case, and as he is primarily seen as a president for the conservative and norm-abiding population, he contributed to the stigma regarding homosexuals and AIDS infected patients. The HBO mini-series, Angels in America, is included to show the physical and mental symptoms of AIDS in a non-romanticized way, as well as the influence of religion on the revolving stigmatization on homosexuality and AIDS, as well as presenting class differences and hope in a hopeless time. As a second example of
media, Dallas Buyers Club is used, which shows examples of AIDS, homophobia, class differences and presents the FDA as the common enemy. Lastly, a focus on AIDS in contemporary culture shows that the internet and media in general has become an important resource in battling the disease, as well as HIV prevention programs and with a specific focus on African Americans.