Intro to CHANDAS

SECRETS
Allan Stratton
A Word from the author
https://youtu.be/x4WFELmxNac?t=1m25s
 H.I.V./ A.I.D.S
Human Immunodeficiency Virus: A virus that attacks
the human immune system, the bodys defense
against diseases. With this virus, the white blood
cells are attacked (cd4+) ultimately rendering the
body vulnerable to infection. Acquired through
sharing of needles, sexual activity, breastfeeding. It
does not occur through casual contact with a person.
The final stage of this virus is A.I.D.S : Acquired
Immunodeficiency Virus
This however, does not mean that H.I.V will
immediately lead to death.
 The LIMBO STAGE
Stratton works specifically with the stage between
acquiring H.I.V and death, outlining how the characters
perceptions of this stage ultimately lead to severe
consequences.
Ultimately, how the society of the novel views this
limbo stage affects how fast characters of the story are
lead to their death.
Rather than addressing the issue of H.I.V, a lot of the
characters classify the disease to be tuberculosis and
hence do not take the necessary precautions (looking
for antibodies) to ensure the well being of individuals
that are really diagnosed with H.I.V.
 Activity
Get into groups of 3 or 4 and collectively
come up with working definitions for the
following words (5 minutes):
Risk

Vulnerability
RISK
Vulnerability
 Relevance to the Book
While Strattons work can be very informative
on the topic of HIV/AIDS, the significance of
this book lies in its attempt to address why
certain groups are more prone to acquiring
HIV/AIDS over other people
In addition, it explores the social and
economic implications of acquiring HIV/AIDS.
Stereotypes about
Africa Activity
 Stereotype Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
qSElmEmEjb4
IS AFRICA REALLY A
POOR LAND?
 CHANDAS Secrets

While the previous video we watched does a

good job at debunking certain biases, we find a
different picture being painted in Chandas
Secrets.
Statistics
 THEME OF DEATH

Death is the result of a society choosing to

repress and ignore problems faced by the
individual

It is not so much the actual death that is

alarming but rather peoples response to death
that is shocking.
 Links between Sexuality and
oppression

Societal views about male and female

sexuality can often result in the continued
oppression of minority groups. (EX: the fear to
address the issue of A.I.D.S in the story leads
to Chanda having very few chances to pursue
her educational goals).
This also works as a challenge to the view of
Africa being a poor country lacking
innovation. We see here that social norms
prevent access to education and various other
forms of privilege.
 Coming of age
All of these themes and important challenges to
stereotypes take place within the format of a coming
of age story. (Growth of a protagonist from youth to
adulthood).
The Coming of Age narrative consists of 4 important
stages:
1. Realization

2. Removal

3. Challenge

4. Reintegration
 Final Activity
Individually complete the coming of age
package that has been provided to you.