December 1st, World AIDS Day 2009
Even if all you do today is know about the day, then you have done something useful. If you are wearing a red ribbon then you are letting other people know that you know. You have done something useful. If you talk to someone about the day and HIV and AIDS then you have done something useful.Key people to talk to, if you are a parent, are your kids. Don't tell them what you know. Ask them what they know instead.
You'll be surprised when they tell you how much they know and how little you do.
You may not know that HIV is not a homosexual thing in any meaningful way, though it was initially spread fast through those homosexuals and heterosexuals who engaged in multiple partner casual sex. You may not know that it is ravaging the poorer nations of the world, especially, so the news tells us, African nations.
And your kids may not know that they must use barrier methods of self protection, and that latex condoms fail very fast if a non water based lubricant is used. Ask them about that. Don't tell them, ask what they know.
Should you make a charitable donation?
I don't know. So, if you feel you should, then do, if not then not. This is about awareness first and foremost. Anything that happens after awareness is then well worthwhile. Remember, just knowing and learning is enough. Spreading the word is better.
There is one thing I'd like you to do, though, and that is look at Uganda. Uganda is about to pass a law, sponsored by right wing bigots in the USA and elsewhere (0.9 probability) to put to death by hanging any homosexual who is HIV positive. I'd like you to research that. And I'd like you to compare that with the execution of the Jews by Nazi Germany and the conspiracy of silence that churches had around that. And I'd like you to do your bit, a small enough bit, by signing the petition that seeks to force the Anglican church, the majority Christian church in Uganda do speak out against it.
Passing this and other articles about World AIDS Day to your friends, colleagues and relatives is a small contribution, but a useful one.
And your kids may not know that they must use barrier methods of self protection, and that latex condoms fail very fast if a non water based lubricant is used. Ask them about that. Don't tell them, ask what they know.
Should you make a charitable donation?
I don't know. So, if you feel you should, then do, if not then not. This is about awareness first and foremost. Anything that happens after awareness is then well worthwhile. Remember, just knowing and learning is enough. Spreading the word is better.
There is one thing I'd like you to do, though, and that is look at Uganda. Uganda is about to pass a law, sponsored by right wing bigots in the USA and elsewhere (0.9 probability) to put to death by hanging any homosexual who is HIV positive. I'd like you to research that. And I'd like you to compare that with the execution of the Jews by Nazi Germany and the conspiracy of silence that churches had around that. And I'd like you to do your bit, a small enough bit, by signing the petition that seeks to force the Anglican church, the majority Christian church in Uganda do speak out against it.
Passing this and other articles about World AIDS Day to your friends, colleagues and relatives is a small contribution, but a useful one.
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