Fighting the Stigma – A World AIDS Day Campaign
We are already knocking the doors of 2017 and in a few years from now, would see ourselves in 2020, a world that would be technologically way more advanced, socially less challenged and hopefully, with a lot more liberated minds around us. But the big question that perturbs our “open” and “contemporary” minds is, are we ready to talk and discuss AIDS without batting an eyelid? Probably no! So that brings us to question ourselves, do we feel a stigma or do we cringe every time we spell the deadly demon? Are we really liberal in our thoughts and deeds? Well, we know the answer, don’t we?
Another big question is, why do we cringe or feel awkward while discussing AIDS? Why are we always in search of an opportunity to change the topic of discussion? Why can’t we discuss topics that belong to a little uncomfortable mental space? This behavioral pattern only indicates that in the 21st century, AIDS might not be a taboo, but discussing it is a taboo for many “liberal minds”. This is because the moment someone mentions AIDS, the first thing that probably comes to most people’s minds is unprotective sex. The victim is often labeled and looked upon as a “casanova” or a “womaniser”. But there is much more to AIDS than what meets the eye.
The first thing we need to get rid of is our century-old habit of bestowing inhuman titles to the victims and judging them all the time. We don’t need to look down upon them, unless our aim is to extend a helping hand and pull them out of the social stigma. No, they don’t need our sympathies for they have enough of it from their own selves. They neither need any gyaan, for none of it would help them come out of the ruthless claws of the demons. In fact, it might just fill them with more guilt that would embarrass them to no end. Instead, we need to be an AID to the victims.
This World AIDS Day, let’s come together and pledge our unconditional support to the victims; let them know that we feel their mental rigmarole. We feel their social stigma and the emotional roller-coaster ride they go through. Let’s accept, they didn’t choose this; they didn’t want this. And they don’t deserve this! Let’s not judge, let’s stop the discrimination. They have already been judged by the known and the unknown, by friends and family, and by the world. AIDS didn’t discriminate, why should we?