It has been a minute since I watched a new episode of Nathan and Jared's popular youtube series The & Show, so yesterday I logged on to see what the fellas were discussing and the topic was H.I.V. . I was deeply moved by how honest the discussion was and my first thought was that I had to post it here so even more people had the chance to see it. My biggest concern was whether or not people would actually take the time to watch it, those three letters have a tendency to turn people off very quickly.
H.I.V. has been around for over 20 years and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon. I've always said either you're infected with it or affected by it, this disease does not discriminate and that's why it's so important that we talk about it openly in an effort to create awareness, promote protection and testing, and encourage treatement for those living with HIV/AIDS.
In 2007 there are still people who are unaware of how the virus is transmitted and are putting themselves at risk. But an even bigger problem in the black community is the stigma attached to those living with HIV/AIDS that causes individuals not to seek treatment because of shame and the constant fear of rejection. It's amazing how we embrace those living with cancer and we shun those living with HIV as if anyone deserves to live with either disease. I applaud Nathan and Jared for tackling this sensitive topic and I hope that it serves as a tool to educate, uplift, and empower those who are HIV negative and those who are living a positive life with H.I.V. .
WOW!!!!! That was wonderful i agree it is a topic that needs to be discussed more especially in the black community WE need more discussions like this
ReplyDeleteThat is a very good observation that people care for those suffering cancer or any other type of illness, but for those with HIV, people tend to repel those infected with the virus.
ReplyDeleteI am strongly persuaded that when people hear someone having HIV, it is due to being involved in a filthy lifestyle and primarily that is the cause. We know that HIV/AIDS is the by product of the gay community and now has embedded itself in the black gay community at the present moment.
I agree we should treat all people with the same level of concern and care despite whatever medical condition they are in. That is one reason I cannot understand why the federal government is mandating all states to develop and maintain a name database for all persons infected with HIV. I don't understand the purpose. Why not track those infected with other STD'S?
Nonetheless, having "education" on HIV and teaching safe sex is not going to stop the exponential growth of infection. Just look at all the years of doing such acts still hasn't curved the infection rate. Many people feel HIV/AIDS is a physical punishment for practicing sexual behaviors that are deviate to the natural use of the body...I think some truth rest in that assumption.
My thought is people really need to sit down and evaluate what they are doing with their bodies and who they sleep with and get physically involved with, especially homosexuals. I know that anybody can HIV now, but remember, this virus didn't transpire from the heterosexual world.
I can say this, HIV infections among gay men will get worse...especially in the black community.
Captain you are so so sad. I can't even be mad at you for your comment instead I pity you.
ReplyDeleteFirst off I just want to say that I love your blog Darian. It's one of the main sites I go to every morning. I always enjoy reading your topics and opinions? I can't speak for others but for me, you have inspired me to do a few things that I wouldn't normally do and I thank you for that.
ReplyDeleteAs for "The Captain", I just have to ask. Why is it that whenever Darian post a positive topic you seem to always come in with your negativity? Or you'll start off with a somewhat positive opinion but it doesn’t quite get there. And if you don’t start off with something negative you end it in negative way. Or maybe I’m just wrong and interpreting your words the wrong way. And if that’s the case then everyone on here does the same thing. But one thing I can say about you is that even though many people never likes anything you say, you always give your opinion and I respect you for that. Be well and be blessed.
I will say this, I see these type of issues on a daily basis. My educational life is dealing with socioeconomic issues where health matters is a major concern for families. I have friends who are in the medical field and some are Epidemiologists and I hear these cases on a daily basis and the stories from the clinics and data gathered right here in Chicago.
ReplyDeleteMy own mother works for the state health department and deal with mothers and children that are also affected with HIV and other diseases. She works with kids with behavioral problems and those kids see how daddy, brother or uncle is dying with a disease that seems unexplainable why it affects one group of people. So, I have a vast knowledge base when it comes to how people are affected in their daily lives and the lives of their loved ones. I know how HIV can tear a home apart and how it breaks down relationships not only with mates, but with family members. Further, I support causes that have goals in helping men and women recover from the social withdraws in being HIV + or diagnosed with AIDS. It is too much to detail here the stories and cases I have seen. However, I cannot deny there are root causes that perpetuate the infection of HIV and other STD's in the metropolitan area of Chicago, but no one is willing to discuss them openly. Every city is different and have to serve people in various ways tailored for that area. According to my friends who work with this on a daily basis always confirm, it's not about educating and having routine tests, it is really caring about who and what you get involved in from day to day.
I'm sure that all those infected with HIV in China, due to community bloodbanking practices and failure of government oversight, will feel much better knowing the Captain sees their affliction as being primarily the result of a "filthy lifestyle".
ReplyDeleteCaptain - you are indeed a jerk. Ethnocentric. Homophobic. Lacking compassion. A shadow of a real Christian man.