AIDS/HIV

» mellei - Stigma scars

I think this is an interesting article. Unlike other diseases, with the HIV/AIDS pandemic there is a huge tendency to revert discussion to culture and practices because this is a disease that has little global understanding. The HIV/AIDS pandemic is intertwined with myths, taboos, and generalizations. North American society is very much a 'curative' one. We look to research and technology to solve much of our medical problems. Essentially it comes down to having some sort of answer, and when that answer is not clear, it seems to bring about great anxiety in our culture.

Ok, so we know that good solutions to this pandemic is education and preventative measures. What about some of the more social damage that have been made to the HIV/AIDS community? There is a huge stigma associated with HIV/AIDS that I think we sometimes forget. How do we help the afflicted live their day to day lives free of shame and guilt?

-- posted by mellei

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» Bethina Abrahams - Stigma scars

In response to Stigma scars posted by mellei:

You have touched on a number of interesting points. I think sometimes people deal with the lack of a medical solution by playing the blame game. It gives them a sense of control over the unknown. That is by making it an 'us' and 'them' issue, there is the false sense of security.
Also the issue of stigma hampers efforts to contain the disease. Discrimination gets in the way of education, access to medical treatment, etc.

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