We observe an inadequate bipolar moral tendency:
- "HIV infection is a punishment as it reflects the notion of immorality…" This is especially promoted by uneducated traditional people in the agrarian and industrial societies and by certain religious groups. This perception usually induces severe stigmatization against the HIV / AIDS patients.
- "There is no question of morality connected with HIV infection…" This is strongly promoted by some activist groups in reaction to stigmatization.
Things are in fact much more complex and sensitive than either of these extremes suggest.
There is definitely a moral message that nobody should elude: It is criminal to refuse to use a condom when practicing any form of unsafe sex. This notion is not only related to "technical issues" but mainly to fundamental "ethical" principles. This is a CONDITIONAL NECESSITY to achieve efficient AIDS prevention.Too many persons (not only inconsiderate persons) still do not incorporate the notion of infection of their partner by HIV into the ethical principles leading their life. They just think that using or not using a condom is a personal choice. It is very common to hear: "I am not using a condom because I do not fear AIDS." Sometimes it is even worse: "…now that I am HIV positive, I do not have to protect myself anymore…".
Only a negative HIV blood test done at least 3 months after the last unsafe sexual practice allows anyone to refuse to use condom (the risk is only for the person himself in that occurrence).
- Use slogans to assimilate safe attitude and an ethic duty. In practice, because anthropology impose "forbidden rules" and not recommendation to induce something new in public morality, the slogan should associate unsafe practice with a criminal act. "To not use a condom could be a crime" or "...a murder"...
Posters about ethis (En) - Thai version of the same poster
Audio poster - "MURDER" (En-Th)
See also "confidence"