AIDs epidemic needs understanding
Giovanni Rosendo, staff writer
 

Ignorance and a lack of literacy are what cause the stereotypes of AIDS.

Africans, homosexuals, and drug addicts are usually the first to come to mind when someone mentions AIDS.

Obviously, there is an epidemic of AIDS in Africa. According to aidsandafrica.com, it is estimated that 29.4 million people are currently living with HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa. The main reason for the problem in Africa is that most men believe that the only way they can reach heaven is by sleeping with a virgin.

Most men would love to use that excuse to make their way with a girl. So how is AIDS involved in this? Most of the men who are going around de-virginizing are those who have AIDS. The sad part is that they don’t even know that they have it. Just because they don’t have the resources we do to get checked and know the history and how to prevent it, they are basically running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

There are doctors and volunteers who are taking this problem upon themselves to try to fix the problem. However, with more recent controversial events, the attention has somewhat died down. With that knowledge though, how can people allow the subject to die down? Just because Africa may be considered a Third-World country, does that mean that they don’t deserve the right to be educated the same way that we do?

As for a person’s sexual preference, I say, “Do what you want to do.” Who are we to judge if a man likes a man or a woman likes a woman? Just because a person is gay doesn’t mean that he or she automatically has AIDS. I kid you not! Gay people have the same chance of getting the virus as any other straight person would. It’s not about how or with who they decide to make love; it’s about whether they use protection, or not. Though what they choose may not be P.C., that’s their choice. It just depends on the person, whether or not they want to take the time to protect themselves and become aware of a partner’s history. I know it can be awkward to ask “So, how many?” In the end, however, it all is in the benefit of not only your health, but also theirs.

Let’s not forget the last group who seems to get the better end of all this, the drug addicts. They have a problem. Who doesn’t? We all hurt our bodies sometime. Once again, it is up to the person as to whether or not they decide to protect themselves against unsanitary needles or go to rehab and try to get help. That also doesn’t mean that all of these people just go around and share needles.
Now, I’m not saying that it’s smart to do this, but they know exactly what they’re doing. If they’ve had too much, then maybe their judgment may be impaired. Is it fair, though, to portray these people in life and in movies as criminals and bad people just because they have that problem? Instead of thinking less of them and calling them names, why don’t we try to do something to help them?

Basically, stereotypes, in general, are dumb. When considering AIDS though, it’s mainly due to a lack of knowledge and ignorance.

The virus isn’t just restricted to the blood stream. AIDS is found in blood (including menstrual blood), semen, vaginal secretions and breast milk.

Did you know that AIDS can also be passed from mother to child through breast feeding? If a woman has AIDS and is unaware that she is a carrier of the disease, not only is she in danger, but she is also putting her child at risk.

AIDS is a serious problem and should not be subjected to someone’s attempt to make fun of it. If anything, we need to focus on this epidemic and see how we can help the disease, not only now, but in the future. Giving donations and volunteering are the main ways to help this cause. This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to go to Africa, but take charge in your community and spread the knowledge. You can never know too much.

For more information, go to www.AIDS.org.