I have a pet peeve (one of many): it is called THE SCAPEGOAT.
You know those court cases where there is talk of the accused’s violent/poor/abusive past? It always takes a lot of thinking for me to start seeing the other side of the coin with regards to these things.
I found one such example in a recent report regarding AIDS. The Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa released statistics showing massive increases in the incidence of AIDS in certain provinces. In an attempt to find solutions, reasons were sought for these increases. One reason was stated as POVERTY.
My initial response was something in the line of, “Yeah, right. Not only does poverty give you child support grants and a reason for committing crimes, it now causes AIDS.” I’m well-acquainted with the fact that the effects of AIDS are likely to increase poverty, but vice versa seemed a bit much.
But with some thought, I realized it’s actually not such a far-fetched idea – and it’s no co-incidence that the highest rates of AIDS are found in the poorest geographic areas in countries. It’s hard to stop giving reasons once you start.
1.Education / access to information: It’s no secret that the average adult in poor, informal settlements (particularly in developing countries) did not complete his/her schooling and does not have great access to the internet and information – meaning in particular: VULNERABILITLY TO PROPAGANDA. Because of this, it’s not surprising that myths regarding HIV/AIDS are so abundant in these cultures. Think, “Sleeping with a virgin will cure you of AIDS” and, “Condoms are a Western ploy to weaken our nation.”
2.Security and violence: The poor can not be expected to afford great security systems or even very strong gates. In fact, being able to lock all your doors (or actually having doors in your house) can be seen as quite a privilege to many poor communities. Because of this, individuals in these situations have less protection from robbers (for example, struggles involving knives pose the threat of blood-to-blood transmission) and rapists. Ask any South African policeman where he has seen the most violent crimes: he will most likely cite a poor and informal settlement.
3.Prostitution: Prostitution is illegal in most developing countries, but there is still a market for it – and nobody knows this better than the unemployed, single mother-of-five trying to put bread on the table. And to be honest, if your involved in illegal business to keep your children’s tummies full, and a customer refuses a condom… well. Not many of these ladies would walk away.
4.Sugar daddies: this one has had the South African media roaring of late and is a lot more common than we would like to believe. It’s quite simple: rich men who want some entertainment, no strings attached, will give a much younger girl plenty money and beautiful gifts in exchange for a few favors – which, again, usually excludes the use of a condom. And the girls who will accept these gifts are the ones who need it – not the girls with parents to protect them from such men, but the poor ones who suffer daily for a lack of necessities.
So it seems my initial irritation was a bit hasty, and that poverty as a possible factor in AIDS-prevalence is not irrational.
Just as long as “I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend because I’m poor, don’t blame me” isn’t included underneath that umbrella.
I have a pet peeve (one of many): it is called THE SCAPEGOAT.
You know those court cases where there is talk of the accused’s violent/poor/abusive past? It always takes a lot of thinking for me to start seeing the other side of the coin with regards to these things.
I found one such example in a recent report regarding AIDS. The Human Sciences Research Council of South Africa released statistics showing massive increases in the incidence of AIDS in certain provinces. In an attempt to find solutions, reasons were sought for these increases. One reason was stated as POVERTY.
My initial response was something in the line of, “Yeah, right. Not only does poverty give you child support grants and a reason for committing crimes, it now causes AIDS.” I’m well-acquainted with the fact that the effects of AIDS are likely to increase poverty, but vice versa seemed a bit much.
But with some thought, I realized it’s actually not such a far-fetched idea – and it’s no co-incidence that the highest rates of AIDS are found in the poorest geographic areas in countries. It’s hard to stop giving reasons once you start.
1.Education / access to information: It’s no secret that the average adult in poor, informal settlements (particularly in developing countries) did not complete his/her schooling and does not have great access to the internet and information – meaning in particular: VULNERABILITLY TO PROPAGANDA. Because of this, it’s not surprising that myths regarding HIV/AIDS are so abundant in these cultures. Think, “Sleeping with a virgin will cure you of AIDS” and, “Condoms are a Western ploy to weaken our nation.”
2.Security and violence: The poor can not be expected to afford great security systems or even very strong gates. In fact, being able to lock all your doors (or actually having doors in your house) can be seen as quite a privilege to many poor communities. Because of this, individuals in these situations have less protection from robbers (for example, struggles involving knives pose the threat of blood-to-blood transmission) and rapists. Ask any South African policeman where he has seen the most violent crimes: he will most likely cite a poor and informal settlement.
3.Prostitution: Prostitution is illegal in most developing countries, but there is still a market for it – and nobody knows this better than the unemployed, single mother-of-five trying to put bread on the table. And to be honest, if your involved in illegal business to keep your children’s tummies full, and a customer refuses a condom… well. Not many of these ladies would walk away.
4.Sugar daddies: this one has had the South African media roaring of late and is a lot more common than we would like to believe. It’s quite simple: rich men who want some entertainment, no strings attached, will give a much younger girl plenty money and beautiful gifts in exchange for a few favors – which, again, usually excludes the use of a condom. And the girls who will accept these gifts are the ones who need it – not the girls with parents to protect them from such men, but the poor ones who suffer daily for a lack of necessities.
So it seems my initial irritation was a bit hasty, and that poverty as a possible factor in AIDS-prevalence is not irrational.
Just as long as “I had unprotected sex with my boyfriend because I’m poor, don’t blame me” isn’t included underneath that umbrella.
As I sit here in front of this computer, I wonder about what my next blog should be about. but then it hit me: AIDS. As everyone know AIDS is one of the leading cause of death in America and also global. But what some fail to realize is that we are not being educated on the consequences of having sex instead we are constantly told not to have sex not to have sex. What some parents forgot is that if you dont give consequences behind that saying and you are out having sex to isnt that ironic? My father told me he cant tell me not to do it because I'm have sex anyway but he can tell me the consequences if I take that action. And thats what I think some parents should (although every parent know how to raise and talk to their own child; just a suggestion that may prove effectuve). This actually helps the child understands that they can come to you for help when talking about the issue of sex and AIDS. You cant really tell if a person has AIDS or not just by looking at them. So dont be quick to judge because you wouldnt want someone doing that to you.
It took it's first steps in America in 1981, since then it has been growing at an alarming rate; one so fast the entire nation is at risk. I am talking about the aids virus. It is estimated that one million people are living with the HIV virus in America and more than half a million people have died after developing the aids virus. An outbreak of this magnitude can destroy a nation and toss even the most devoted nationist into despair. However it also has the power to bring us all closer together, the fact that everyone is affected by this virus makes us realize that it's everyone's problem and the more we ignore it the worst the problem gets so lets take the proper steps to ensure that these numbers stop growing.
Sunday there was an aids walk in Central Park and I know my fellow NY team members have already showed you the happenings of the event for the most part, I thought I'd show you the things they missed. Trust me it's worth watching.
As always, days like this start off a bit chilly with a chance of rain. Theresa (my new NYC home girl) and I were somewhat concerned that this year’s AIDS Walk in Central Park would be ruined by Momma Nature.
The joke was on us.
Thousands turned out for the annual AIDS Walk in Central Park, one of several events held nationwide. This was my first experience at an event of this caliber. Honestly, I didn’t expect much: people with colorful signs, free food, even funky guys dressed in condoms. Meh.
But oh, ye of little faith - and morose.
Like I do over and over again, I have this horrible tendency of going into some events jaded. My fault, of course. I think it’s all those years of life that’s made me such a Debbie Downer . . . initially.
But! Like clockwork, after every event I attend, I’m always changed. I get an amazing opportunity to experience life as it is for others and then I’m able to reflect on my experience while blogging. (Yes, I know, my job is awesome).
This time around, I experienced that same epiphany; the kind where you realize life is really a beautiful concept because you get a chance to view it through the eyes of those who know better than yourself.
This year’s AIDS Walk afforded me the chance to meet people from all walks of life who have an unique insight into the devastating effects of AIDS. I met family members, fabulous drag queens, sisters, brothers, friends, and volunteers who know all to well the importance of AIDS awareness.
I never had a family member contract HIV or die of AIDS, so I don't have an intimate frame of reference when it comes to the disease. I do, however, have family members and friends who can identify with those I met this past weekend. And because of that, I’m compelled to share my unique experience with the YN community.
Just to give you an idea of how powerful the AIDS Walk was; think about this: No matter how elevated the threat of rain, or no matter how jaded yours truly felt, the love and solidarity coming from family, friends, and supporters of the AIDS Walk still connected with and changed me, and for that, I’m grateful - and aware.
Give me 3:30 and I’ll show you what I mean.
Many, many thanks to all those who contributed to the making of this video and experience.
