The Age of Aids

One of the essential organic issues of this particular subject is our ability to deny, blame, and avoid our role in the midst of crisis...whether it be science, government, religion, media, our own home, etc...we are all on some level "denialists".

And as always, those with first-hand experience of this particular ever-present crisis...the ones who have touched and looked in the eyes of the suffering or the ones who have suffered the pain themselves...are told to wait in the shadows, told to shut the hell up, told they are immoral, told they are wrong, etc. whatever...until the wealthy and powerful are cornered into a decision or until they can use an issue like this for political gain or even religious proselytization.

...and how is it that a pop/rock star is the one to tell conservative christian politicians about what it is Jesus says in scripture about caring for the poor/sick/hungry etc...to which they respond positively towards. It is funny that we can subscribe to a certain faith/belief/culture, yet not know (or be confused about) the foundation it is built upon.

...and it is gross and vulgar to claim to be redeemed, saved, or moral, and yet offer nothing but apathy and judgment to those who have this disease (or any disease) because of their lifestyle...and that advocating the idea that offering comfort or education where there is pain and ignorance is somehow a promotion of that certain lifestyle.

The elements of hiv/aids and it's story hold all the symbols and weight of the human condition and the way we essentially love one another or dehumanize one another. It has exposed us and our nature. It is a historically epic narrative into which we all have been written. Like always, it offers tragedy and hope...and like always, we must choose which we will perpetuate.