Fighting AIDS in Black America
With the release of an ABC Documentary on AIDS in the Black America, conspiracy theories about AIDS continue to run rampant. Was it created in a lab? Is the closet bis*xual black male (referred to as the “Down Low Brother”) the cause of the massive spread in the black community? Regardless of how it originated, it has now been dubbed a “black disease”, which means funding…and mainstream concern, may begin to decrease. The following preventive measures are available for those who are ready to take responsibility.
1) Protection - Men…stop dealing with multiple partners, prostitutes, etc. unprotected! Don't get me wrong...I am NOT advocating for s*x with multiple partners, but I also need to be realistic about what is really happening out here. Even if you don’t have any value for the health and well being of others, have some for yourself and your family.
2) Self Esteem – I have heard women confirm that comments like “I want you to have my baby” and “the c*ndom will bust”, are tired (albeit, seemingly effective) statements used by men to avoid c*ndom use altogether. Our women need to have enough self esteem to dismiss comments like these. If a man doesn’t respect you enough to wear a c*ndom, is he worth your while?
Note: There are c*ndoms in all sizes!
3) Accountability - It is time for the black community to stop waiting for “leaders” to get us past the pandemic. Instead we need to become leaders. As a community, we need to stop waiting for a righteous, dashiki wearing, Afro centric hypocrite, or some millionaire messiah in a $2000 Armani suit to come save us from ourselves. The true conspiracy now becomes the ability (or lack of it thereof) to exhibit self control, self respect, and a desire to be educated. I issue a personal challenge to community leaders…step forward and let’s take our health back from this demon called AIDS.
1) Protection - Men…stop dealing with multiple partners, prostitutes, etc. unprotected! Don't get me wrong...I am NOT advocating for s*x with multiple partners, but I also need to be realistic about what is really happening out here. Even if you don’t have any value for the health and well being of others, have some for yourself and your family.
2) Self Esteem – I have heard women confirm that comments like “I want you to have my baby” and “the c*ndom will bust”, are tired (albeit, seemingly effective) statements used by men to avoid c*ndom use altogether. Our women need to have enough self esteem to dismiss comments like these. If a man doesn’t respect you enough to wear a c*ndom, is he worth your while?
Note: There are c*ndoms in all sizes!
3) Accountability - It is time for the black community to stop waiting for “leaders” to get us past the pandemic. Instead we need to become leaders. As a community, we need to stop waiting for a righteous, dashiki wearing, Afro centric hypocrite, or some millionaire messiah in a $2000 Armani suit to come save us from ourselves. The true conspiracy now becomes the ability (or lack of it thereof) to exhibit self control, self respect, and a desire to be educated. I issue a personal challenge to community leaders…step forward and let’s take our health back from this demon called AIDS.
Mr Echols I agree with you wholeheartedly. We as a community has to start dealing with this problem.