When A.B.L.E. gathered today to begin our observation of World AIDS Day, it hit me that all of my students were born in what I would call the "post-pandemic" era. This is the time since the global health crisis stop being an 'incurable plague" in the minds of many. The A.B.L.E. students were born in a moment that allows them to transcend the public debate about whether or not the pandemic had been handed down as punishment for the moral decay of Western society. For most of them HIV/AIDS is a chronic disease that long since stop being an overt symbol of homophobic hysteria.
Yet, 17 years after I watched in stunned silence at the t.v. monitors in JFK airport as Magic Johnson announced (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSfy4AhDDnw) to the world that he had "acquired the AIDS virus," I wondered if they fully realize how much the HIV/AIDS crisis was still profoundly (re)shaping the lives of African Americans in Washington, D.C.
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I learned how serious HIV and Aids is. [The speaker] taught us what we needed to learn about HIV like how you get it. She didn't want us to be like her. It was important to learn all this so we don't get a disease for the rest of our lives that we need to be sick for the rest of our lives.
ReplyDelete-Kheilah
I did not know that most of my friends were born in a "post pandenic" era. I understand that our people don't want us to be like all the other teenagers that have had babies and wasn't being safe. The A.B.L.E program teaches us things and tries to watch at for us. Magic Johnson is very brave to announce to half of the world that he tested positive for AIDS.
ReplyDeleteIt was valuable to the students to see different views and different faces of HIV/AIDS. To watch a movie about the disease, and also hear from an actual person in our community who is HIV+ demonstrated to the students that this is a serious issue that isn't just far away, but right here, among us. I hope that the students are able to see AIDS as something that spans across different levels-- as a global issue, as a concern in Washington, DC, as well as something that is related to their own choices.
ReplyDelete-Ms. Ruth
This passage is diffrent outlooks on hiv/aids.This to me makes it seem how they are trying to connect the two.I shows the it is not that far away from my era which is "post pandenic".It is trying to get out to young people about have to relize that it is there.
ReplyDeleteNowhere is HIV/AIDS education more important in the USA than it is in Washington, DC. With amongst the highest HIV incidence per capita, education and awareness about this pandemic is especially important in "chocolate city". Yesterday demonstrated the number one means we as society are trying to fight back, and that it through early exposure and education. The invaluabe effort and support that a number of HIV positive indivuduals have shown by just telling their story is an integral component in our progression.
ReplyDeleteDelisca
i think this is a good a message world aids day. its very important to know about aids.Aids is a deadly desease that can really mess up your life. I think that people need to read this message to be safe. life is too short to
ReplyDeleteto take a risk at having sex without a condom.
I HATE EVERYING ABOUT AIDS!IT IS NOT FAIR!NOBODY DESERVES THIS! I HATE IT! I WANT TO CRY AND SCREAM WHAT THE HECK!
ReplyDeletei think this is a very important infomatoin to be reading it tells you
ReplyDeletehow danger stds and hiv is its not nuthing to play around with so america please be safe
What i think about hiv/aids is that its nothing to play with.It Could really happen to anybody.Some of us say "it cant happen to us i mean out of all the people in the WORLD it cant possibly affect me.
ReplyDeleteWhat i Learnd About HIV/AIDS is that it nothing to play with.Some People Would Say It Cant Happen To me out of all the people in the world it affects me.Yes it can it happens to anyone.If you are sexual active, GET TESTED!!
ReplyDeleteI think this is unfair that woman are being stupid but if their man cheats on tem then they are going to get some common sence and kick them out.What about HIV, AIDS. Women,men you all need to get your act together,because tis is rediculous and I am get sick and tired of it. Women, dont let these men rule you all. Get some sence in your minds. You al really need it. I cant leave home without it. Thankyou. I am routting for you all ladies.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know I was born in the "post pandemic" era. I learned that people need talk in oder for change to happen.
ReplyDelete-erica
this issue is very important and its due to immaturity and irresponsibility of our society
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ReplyDeleteThe stigma that follows HIV and AIDS makes it really hard topic for most to talk about. However, we as a society and even more importantly as black people need to be educated about these diseases. It was very important that the speaker came and displayed that HIV is everywhere. She also let us know that it can happen to anyone, anywhere. This is a real eye opener.
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