As I thought more about the QOTW this week, I began reflecting on whether I would really want to be the cause for my sibling having HIV. The more I thought about it the harder I thought it would be for me to give them my kidney, or should I say trying to persuade them into taking it. If she was already hesitant about taking it, I do not know if I would want to try to talk her into it. It comes down me knowingly giving her HIV. Then on the other hand, I feel like not giving it to her would only add to the stigma of having HIV. By my refusal to give my organ because I am HIV positive, I’m showing my sister that I am an outcast that doesn't think deserves to live because I have HIV. My mind is boggled to really think about how this situation could play out.
Something else that I have learned in the last past week is how much this class has been beneficial to my other classes. For example, for my public health class we have a project coming up that we can pick any topic in public health. I choose to do the spread of AIDS as my topic and discuss how it is a public health issue that is affecting millions. Another example is for my Research class. We are to choose a topic to research and my research question is, “To what extent is U.S. Citizen aware or unaware of their ability to become infected with HIV/AIDS?” I broke down this question with sub problems which are the following: Knowledge of HIV Positive U.S. citizens, Trust in partners, trust in race, and trust in country. I feel that researching these different areas will come to a conclusion of the knowledge base in the United States about AIDS, and I plan to prove that with more education we can slow the spread of HIV.
I also choose to research this because I have developed a passion for the cure of AIDS during this semester. I do not know exactly when it happened, but I find myself looking for different information of the topic in my everyday life. I have not only shown this in my classes, but also in my internship. I am interning at the Florida Hospital in the Cancer Institute helping plan fundraising and awareness events. I find myself acquiring information about HIV/AIDS events that I can help with. I think my continuing knowledge for HIV has made me more passionate to help.
Did You Know
According to Avert.org, sex education is “the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). The belief is that if students are aware of sex and the consequences that can come from it they well make informed decisions and protect themselves from “abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV and AIDS” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). The problem with sex education is the vast differences in the belief to have premarital sex. A person’s individual belief on the subject can alter how much information him or her believes should be revealed to children about sex. Some believe giving more information about sex to young adults will probe them to have sex earlier. Advert.org suggest that, “rather than trying to deter or frighten young people away from having sex, effective sex education includes work on attitudes and beliefs, coupled with skills development, that enables young people to choose whether or not to have a sexual relationship taking into account the potential risks of any sexual activity” (Sex Education that Works, 2009). In reality, young adults are having sex and allowing them the information to have safe sex or choose themselves to have limited partners because of the risk will lower the spread of HIV/AIDS.
Sex Education that Works. (2009). Retrieved September 10, 2009, from the official Advert.org Website: thehttp://www.avert.org/abc-hiv.htm
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Hi Jenna. Your post was very uplifting to know that this class is giving you a passion to learn more about this virus and to incorporate it into your other classes educating others. In your "did you know" section I have some mixed feelings about what works and doesn't work when it comes to sex education. I do think young adults should know how to have safe sex but teaching our children that it is okay to say "no" is also good. Many teenagers today have been infected by the sexual revolution and I think that this is never taken into consideration. I think you did a great job of researching for your post.
ReplyDeleteIt is good that you are developing an interest in HIV and AIDS. I think we all are. This class has made me very interested as well. I spend a lot of time thinking about HIV and AIDS. If I had more free time I would definitely be interested in getting involved in something.
ReplyDeleteAs far as sex education, I would agree with Morgan that we should teach kids how to say no and that it is ok to say no, but also we should give them information to use if they do decide to have sex. Also, I can say from experience that parents play a big role. All I ever heard from my parents growing up was "The Bible says no sex before marriage" And as a result, I was somewhat clueless and I did a lot of stupid things. I had heard about HIV and STD's and things but I just never took any of it that seriously and I think it would have had a much greater impact coming from my parents.
It is important to spread knowledge to those most at risk...(i.e. those who are sexually active). You need to have all your bases covered. Let kids know, "its OK to be abstinent, but if it's not for you, here are ways to protect yourself and others..." I was sooooooo disappointed to hear that the only thing that Congress passed this current legislation was more money to ABSTINENCE-ONLY programs. Argh....
ReplyDeleteJenna, I was torn about the question of the week too. I said I wouldn't give it to them but its a tough question. I guess factoring in the quality of life they would have and how long we've both lived would play a large role in my decision. Regarding the sex education, I'm a firm believer in teaching sex education early and giving them the facts, even the gruesome ones. I know that after watching that sex video with a woman giving birth, I was scarred for many years. No it didn't make me abstinent but it made me very careful.
ReplyDeleteI believe sex education should start early and we should teach young teenagers about protection, pregnancy, and about HIV/AIDS. I believe that education will lead to individuals having safe sex and fewer partners. When I was in high school and went through sex education no one ever mentioned anything about HIV/AIDS. Now knowing how many people are infected with HIV/AIDS and how I can get the virus is scary and does make me think twice about my sexual decisions. Therefore, I think sex education should start early and information about HIV/AIDS should be taught.
ReplyDeleteWhen it comes to who should make the decision, that should be the person whose organ is failing. Only they can make the decision of whether or not they wish to live HIV positive or not.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see how this class has benefited you with your other classes. I hope you are able to work toward a cure for HIV.
We will never be able to teach about sex unless we put it into the context of that person's cultural beliefs. If the culture believes in premarital sex, then you can cover that topic with your prevention messages. If they believe that sex is okay as long as it isn't vaginal until marriage, then you tackle the problem from that perspective. The hardest one to approach will be the abstinence group.