The Symbol of a Struggle

The Red Ribbon is considered as an international symbol of the fight against HIV/AIDS. The loop of red silk ribbon fastened on a lapel or a shirt, shows the wearer to be sympathetic and supportive of those with HIV/AIDS. The humble knotted ribbon in bright red first came into prominence in 1991 at the Tony Awards Ceremony when it was worn publicly by Jeremy Irons. Since then the Red Ribbon has continued to be a powerful force in the fight to increase public awareness of HIV/AIDS and in the lobbying efforts to increase funding for AIDS services and research. The origin of this symbol however, is the Red Ribbon Project, created by New York-based artists group called ‘Visual AIDS Artists Caucus’ in 1991. There were some key beliefs underlying this creative collaboration. First and foremost it was felt that the Red Ribbon Project be viewed as a collaborative effort, maintaining the anonymity of individual artists, and instead focussing on the project as a whole. Secondly, it was strongly felt that the Red Ribbon be used as a conscious raising symbol and not some commercial or trademark tool. Moreover, it was urged that the symbol remain copyright-free so that no specific individual or organization can profit from it. In this sense it was a true symbol of the accelerating fight against the global malaise. Inspired by the yellow ribbons honoring American soldiers serving in the Gulf war, the color red was chosen for its, "connection to blood and the idea of passion -- not only anger, but love, like a valentine." This is perhaps the most important and thought-provoking idea.

If we are to consider the disease, and what makes it particularly difficult to prevent there is one specific aspect that comes forth strongly. HIV/AIDS is connected with one of the most natural, intimate and emotionally complex needs of human nature – sexuality. While there are other equally important modes of transmission of the Human Immuno-Deficiency virus, sex is clearly the most complicated mode. While medical experts and scientists might struggle to find a relief and cure from the disease, prevention efforts have clearly had to go beyond; The medical view of disease which has no place for emotion or irrationality is necessary but not sufficient when it comes to grappling with the complexity of this issue.

The rapid progression of AIDS to epidemic proportions has forced everyone to sit up and take notice. AIDS is a disease that has its roots in the psyche, but unfortunately the manifestations remain painfully physical. Some of the crucial decision-making such as whether to have protected sex or not, rarely happens in a rational manner. The contexts and socio-cultural frameworks which determine such behaviours need to be adequately understood. The progression of the disease across multi-country experience has established the need to develop a multi-disciplinary approach to tackling with the disease. As the fight against this deadly virus keeps getting stronger we must constantly remind ourselves that we are ultimately dealing with people and not just numbers. Keeping this fundamental idea in mind, it is only appropriate that this blog be named ‘The Red Ribbon” – representing all that it stands for and acknowledging the struggles and hardships of PLHAs world over.

Note: This is not an official blog of the AIDS Research and Control Organisation; It merely seeks to provide a platform for the individual/personal opinions of those working in this organisation.