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This page contains all of the posts and discussion on MemeStreams referencing the following web page: Killing with kindness. You can find discussions on MemeStreams as you surf the web, even if you aren't a MemeStreams member, using the Threads Bookmarklet.
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Killing with kindness
by Dolemite at 7:53 am EST, Feb 26, 2003 |
According to the CDC, the 17-state Southern region, from Texas to Washington, D.C., not only has more residents with HIV and AIDS, it also has the ugly distinction of being the only area in the country with a significant increase in infections (9 percent). And worse, the CDC says the South accounts for 40 percent of people estimated to be living with AIDS and 46 percent of the estimated number of new cases. Why did the South get this most unwanted distinction? There are a lot of demographic reasons. We have the highest concentration of the group most likely to be infected: African-Americans. We have the highest concentration of another group most likely to be infected: poor people. We also have the highest concentration of the group most likely to stop effective AIDS prevention efforts: Bible Belters. But there's something more. A context that amplifies these demographic factors: the southern culture of politeness and indirectness. Eek! A little tongue in cheek, I think, but a good article to read, none the less. |
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RE: Killing with kindness
by Dolemite at 12:59 pm EST, Feb 26, 2003 |
Thrynn wrote: ] What about the factor of education? Don't get me wrong, some
] of us southerners are purty dern smart. But the real fact is,
] the south is made up of a lot of small towns where dirt roads
] are a reality. In these communities, life is slower and
] simpler and frankly a lot of issues get overlooked (i.e.
] genome research, effects of hydrogren powered cars, dividend
] taxes, AIDS). So, if the common perception is that highly
] populated, urban areas are at the highest risk, then I'd bet
] that a significant portion of the educational efforts would be
] concentrated in those areas. Well, that's the whole point of the article - we're not allowing people to be educated about how the disease can be prevented. Saying "Don't have sex" is a stupid means of prevention, but it's the only thing that educators are allowed to do. Even in rural counties where dirt roads still exist, there are schools, but those schools have a limited, strictly defined curriculum. |
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