We've all suffered some form of discrimination at some point in our lives. There's one thing that doesn't see color, gender, religion or creed.
There's a stigma that come with being hiv positive. The stigma is the same across all races. I attend a support group and the members are of different races, gender & age. We take different types or ART's, which have different side effects. Those who take the same ones suffer different side effects. I take Aluvia but I haven't experienced any side effects but another member also takes Aluvia but gets cramps each time she takes the pills. I guess we react differently to different things.
One thing we all agree on is that HIV does not discriminate. The stigma is the same across all races. I thought the stigma was worse in african communities and I soon realized I was wrong. The Jewish lady can't just come out in her community as she had a terrible experience when she went to the pharmacy and the pharmacy assistant said to her "with that surname and you've got this?" The stigma is also there in Afrikaans speaking communities. Its the same as among africans if not worse. My Afrikaans speaking friends wouldn't dare disclose to those who are closest to them. They say HIV is still taboo in their communities. My colored friends also feel that the stigma around HIV is much too great. The people are more accommodating to a drug addict rather than a person who's HIV positive.
People always associate HIV with promiscuity. People tend to think a person must have been sleeping around or are homosexual or are a junky. There are many ways one can contract this virus. I know someone who got it from her husband but she gets the same stares & whispers as the local prostitute. Everyone infected is painted with the same brush.
Stigma knows no boundaries, knows no color, gender or religion. You can take a group of people from different places, races & age and you show them someone who is HIV positive and they'll all have the same look of disapproval. The same thoughts will be running around in their minds. Stigma knows no boundaries.
How is it that a virus can cause so much fear and discrimination & oppression to people? Those who are infected feel oppressed by this death sentence hanging over their heads. Those affected fear contracting the virus. There's a Zulu saying that says "death is like a bride, every family has one". No offense to my ancestors but I think it was relevant back in the day. I say HIV is like a bride every family has one. People have been trying to classify people who have this virus and that's no possible as HIV together with its stigma know no boundaries.
What kind of virus is this? Christians have prayed for its end. Scientists are trying to come up with a cure. Sangomas claim to have muthi to cure it, even though there isn't any proof. This virus is good at so many things, it will expose you as some symptoms can't be hidden, it will humiliate you as it will rob you of your weight, hair, dignity and strength.
One thing is for sure HIV does not discriminate at all. Everyone is equal in its path, it dishes out the same kind of punishment to its victims. HIV knows no discrimination
There's a stigma that come with being hiv positive. The stigma is the same across all races. I attend a support group and the members are of different races, gender & age. We take different types or ART's, which have different side effects. Those who take the same ones suffer different side effects. I take Aluvia but I haven't experienced any side effects but another member also takes Aluvia but gets cramps each time she takes the pills. I guess we react differently to different things.
One thing we all agree on is that HIV does not discriminate. The stigma is the same across all races. I thought the stigma was worse in african communities and I soon realized I was wrong. The Jewish lady can't just come out in her community as she had a terrible experience when she went to the pharmacy and the pharmacy assistant said to her "with that surname and you've got this?" The stigma is also there in Afrikaans speaking communities. Its the same as among africans if not worse. My Afrikaans speaking friends wouldn't dare disclose to those who are closest to them. They say HIV is still taboo in their communities. My colored friends also feel that the stigma around HIV is much too great. The people are more accommodating to a drug addict rather than a person who's HIV positive.
People always associate HIV with promiscuity. People tend to think a person must have been sleeping around or are homosexual or are a junky. There are many ways one can contract this virus. I know someone who got it from her husband but she gets the same stares & whispers as the local prostitute. Everyone infected is painted with the same brush.
Stigma knows no boundaries, knows no color, gender or religion. You can take a group of people from different places, races & age and you show them someone who is HIV positive and they'll all have the same look of disapproval. The same thoughts will be running around in their minds. Stigma knows no boundaries.
How is it that a virus can cause so much fear and discrimination & oppression to people? Those who are infected feel oppressed by this death sentence hanging over their heads. Those affected fear contracting the virus. There's a Zulu saying that says "death is like a bride, every family has one". No offense to my ancestors but I think it was relevant back in the day. I say HIV is like a bride every family has one. People have been trying to classify people who have this virus and that's no possible as HIV together with its stigma know no boundaries.
What kind of virus is this? Christians have prayed for its end. Scientists are trying to come up with a cure. Sangomas claim to have muthi to cure it, even though there isn't any proof. This virus is good at so many things, it will expose you as some symptoms can't be hidden, it will humiliate you as it will rob you of your weight, hair, dignity and strength.
One thing is for sure HIV does not discriminate at all. Everyone is equal in its path, it dishes out the same kind of punishment to its victims. HIV knows no discrimination