Health

The Booty Meat

Belinda Anderson, Health Editor

Kwanzaa is a time for reflection...a time to look at the values and principles that help strengthen our family and communities. It is a time for looking at what can be done in our future to make home and community a better place. So as a health advocate I began to consider what factor has had an impact on the African American community's state of wellness...the word that kept resonating in my head..personal responsibility. In a world where there is so much information available about how poor choices affect on our health, we continue to see the statics rise relating to disease and disorders in our community. One disease that is almost totally perpetuated by poor choices is HIV/AIDS.

The District of Columbia (the place where our first African American President resides) leads the nation in the number of new cases with several other states not far behind. Having worked almost twenty years in that field, I can only scratch my head and ask WHY...WHY...WHY?

HIV/AIDS today is largely transmitted via sexual contact. Whether we are talking about men or women, the newly infected cases of HIV are due to risky sexual activities. STD (sexually transmitted diseases) are nothing new to our community, just today the stacks are higher, so I don't feed into the lack of education theory, perhaps the approach, yes. It all begins with a disregard for the well being of self and the well being of others..lack of personal responsibility.

When it is OK for young girls..often imitating the examples set by their mothers.. to step outside their homes dressed provocative trying to be “sexy” and children as young as three running around saying things like The Booty Meat” and “Drop It Like It's Hot”...something is very wrong. I don't know about in you but the last I check hot can leave you with a “pretty”nasty burn. Another news flash...sexy has nothing to do with how much skin you show. Sexy is in the eye of the beholder..how do you feel about yourself.

If you ask a newly diagnosed individual about their decision to engage in risky sexual behavior the reason often given is related to love (the need for or feeling of) and/or trust. They never considered the fact that today the decision be sexually active goes farther than love and trust...it is a real investment...an investment of your life. When Tina Turner sung that song “What's Love Got to Do With It”...she said a mouthful. Love is an emotion and love doesn't protect or reduce your risk from contracting HIV or other STI (sexually transmitted infections). Trust alone won't either because trust is relying on someone's integrity based on your experiences with them...in other words it needs to be earned.

If there is to be a reduction in the newly diagnosed cases of HIV infection in our community we have to develop an action plan. There is a need for change in our thinking and our actions. There is a true need for each and ever individual to take personal responsibility for their life and the lives of those they love.

As we celebrate Kwanzaa let's use the principles as a tool for change.

Umoja “Unity”

Unite as families and as a community to be examples, to educate about and engage in responsible sexual practices to protect ourselves, family and community from the increase of HIV/AIDS

Kujichagulia “Self-Determination”

As it is withing your power, commit to doing all that is within your power to stay HIV free and if already HIV+ from further spreading the infection by making responsible choices

Ujima “Collective Work & Responsibility”

As an individual who is sexually active, commit to work together at improving communication and dialogue so we can be honest within the relationship

Ujamaa “Cooperative Economics”

As a family and community work at funding programs within your immediate community that can be a source of instruction for youth and adults on love, self esteem, etc. that can help to directly help decrease the new cases

Nia “Purpose”

Practice personal responsibility on purpose at all times...no exceptions

Kuumba “Creativity”

Find new and creative safe ways to express femininity/masculinity

Imani “Faith”

Know that it is within our ability to bring about this change for our families and our community through our own collective efforts and the help of the source of strength in your life

This is your challenge to decrease the number of new infections of HIV which is grounded in personal responsibility, integrity and solidarity of our people.

Belinda Anderson is a Certified Grief Counselor with over 20 years experience in Medical Services.

In addition to being a sought after Health & Wellness writer, she leads seminars for Women in

Transition. Visit Belinda on her website.