A day to fight alienation

Although not a public holiday, December 1 is undoubtedly worthy of note – the note of each of us because it is World AIDS Day.

AIDS is a “tricky” subject to some extent. Yet we must not shun it. People usually take an indifferent approach to those who suffer from this disease. But some condemn or even display hostility to them. I am personally surprised and outraged by this. For, no matter what way of life led to this result, nobody has the right to condemn others. All the more so that AIDS is not always the consequence of real-life mistakes – it is often an unfortunate accident.

In many cases, it is sheer ignorance that scares healthy people off those who have AIDS, which in turn arouses unfounded fears. World AIDS Day is supposed not only to warn humankind, but also to help debunk myths and stereotypes that breed alienation. For if we put aside all the chit-chat and unnecessary fears and just try to “see with our hearts,” we will notice HUMANS – the ordinary humans who need our help and support.