AIDS vs. other diseases?

Question

why is it that people with AIDS are alienated and left out when you must come in special contact with them to recieve the disease? what is the difference from being around someone with mono or an STD for example?

just curious doing a debate speech need opinions.

Answer 1

Infectious diseases have always been a source of fear for people. It's a very primitive emotion, and providing accurate information sometimes does little to quell the fear because it is so deep seated.

Many religious systems, for example, have as one of their focuses the distinction between ritual purity and contamination. The Christian conception of "sin" and "redemption" is perhaps a more sophisticated version of this basic element of spiritual beliefs common to many traditions, although the christian scriptures clearly describe Jesus as a person who went out of his way to cut down the common prejudices of his time - for example those against "fallen women", lepers, etc. Some modern christians would do well to follow his example a little more closely.

Because infectious disease was poorly understood until relatively recently in human history, people managed their fear by searching for "signs" or "stigmata" of impurity, in order to feel they were protecting themselves from what they fear. The singular of "stigmata" is "stigma".

Unfortunately, many of the groups most affected by HIV have also been groups already stigmatised before HIV came along. Homophobia, racism and other types of prejudice have multiplied the fears of many around infectious diseases, and made a rational, compassionate response to the problems caused by the virus that much more difficult.

Good luck with your debate.

Answer 2

While you are correct about how HIV can be transmitted, the reality is that there is no cure. Anything that can be transmitted is going to be a source of fear. Add to this that there is no cure, there is also going to be fear.

Many people just don't have enough information about HIV.

In yesteryears, other illnesses that were life threatening and had no cure also resulted in people being treated without dignity, respect and otherwise civil behaviour. (Leprosy had a similar outcome. In the "old days" people with polio were also confined to sanitoriums.)

While some may argue homophobia (I think this is true to an extent), the bigger fear is being infected. The secondary issue is that of sex. Most people perceive that HIV is an end to one's intimate relationships. This is not true.

Gays and Lesbians are often mistreated and this only fuels the fire for many people who need some type of excuse to treat their fellow citizens with disdain or contempt.

Hug someone with HIV today.

Answer 3

HIV does not kill men and women anymore if they are able to get the correct scientific medication. However, the H5N1 fowl flu virus has the advantage for wiping out big sections of the sector populace inside weeks. Imagine what could occur if part or two/three of the men and women you already know had been useless inside per week. Imagine that going down all over the place the sector. If you need a preview of the final time it occurred, study the 1918 "Spanish" flu that killed hundreds of thousands all over the place the sector, adding the U.S. If a equivalent occasion happens now, it'll be a lot worse on account that men and women journey the sector extra without difficulty and we percentage extra meals. Also within the U.S. the great of our medicine is way worse than it was once on the time, fairly speakme to the quantity of medical professionals.

Answer 4

Well, the common notion is that contracting HIV is like a death sentance. No more sex, no children, tough luck at relationships, high chance of early death.

Mono sucks, but not such a big deal.

But that's changing more. It's losing the stigma of the early days where someone with HIV would be avoided like the plague.

People are more aware these days that HIV isn't contractable through normal day to day contact with a person, even of a more intimate nature ie. kissing.

The seriousness and incurable nature of HIV is why it leads to social alienation by a lot of people.

Answer 5

any thing that is counted a danger to other.s really scare people . this is fact many neglect to get a simple test to see if . and which one they have . sadley to say many have died or passed this to other.s willingley knowing they have it . any disease. that is non treatable needs specal attion if children. as well adults come in contact with other.s there isnt no safe thing on this matter. in my opion?

Answer 6

Uhm maybe because AIDS is scary, it will kill you.

In a lot of African countries for example, you get it, you die.

It's scary, people run. It sucks but that's why.