Clean? Dirty? - HIV Prevention Message Board

last1 · 09-18-2006, 05:54 PM

Dear Friends (those who are HIV+ and those who are not): Please understand that I write this inquiry mostly to ascertain whether or not I am being hypersentive about this issue and not to disparage anyone's way of thinking. So, your patience and guidance is so deeply appreciated: frequently, when people write they relate an experience in which they have asked their new partner about their HIV status and the report is that the partner will tell them that they are "clean." Or, someone will begin their post with "I am clean but...yadda, yadda, yadda."

Now, since I am HIV+, I have attempted to lead people in the direction that the obverse of "clean" is "dirty" and that for people to suggest that "clean" means that they are HIV neg, and that people who are HIV+ are, obversely, "dirty." So, am I nit-picking about this? Should I just let it go....?
Because, while I want people to understand and be educated about this disease, I also want them to be sensitve to people (ie: me) who have this disease. That's all...just let me know and I'll check my neuro-trasnsmitters at the door. Bless you all, chris

Ronnie99 · 09-18-2006, 06:36 PM

I agree with you that the terminology is outdated and insensitive. Implying that a person is dirty because they were unfortunate enough to contract a real PIA virus is unkind even if there was no malicious intention. That is my perspective as an HIV negative person.

flower_chick · 09-18-2006, 08:59 PM

Yeah , Chris, I hear ya on the "dirty" VS "clean" thing ......Like me being HEP C + and everyone else that has it, we now have the " dirty" disease ( not just clean or dirty status) . per se..... I have heard it SO much and its SO much of a degrading feeling to actually hear or read someone say that, ya know !?.....Im already beating myself up because I have not a clue as to how long Ive had this nor how exactly I got it......All people think about HEP C is that homeless IV users ( junkies) are the only ones who get it from sharing used rigs ...the ones who shoot up in the alley or whatever...And Im NOT that person nor have I ever been. You would never suspect me to have anything from my looks , yet I have the " dirty disease"....

I just hate it and wish people would be more sensitive when they talk about other peoples health status , that they know nothing about !

Spirit, thank you for the info about the tea. Ive never heard of that and this weekend Im headed to the health store just for the stuff........Speaking of which, until then, how many mgs of milk thistle do you recommend by capsule , per day ?? Ive been taking Spring Valley ( Wa;Mart) 175 mg a couple times a day....I sure wish the sleepies would leave and Mr Sandman would only visit when its time to go to bed !! ( I feel I need to nap several times a day and would if I could !! HA !!)

Thanks guys , for letting me on my soap box again !!!

Flower

whoevea · 09-18-2006, 09:10 PM

the way i see it...
clean means your sober from drugs alcohol
dirty to me means your still using.

that's what i think of when i hear clean/dirty. i dont think of HIV or AIDS.
i personally dont like it being used for HIV. it kind sounds like people are referring to nasty people when they say DIRTY .
JMO.

i hear what your saying cflas.

81ITFIN · 09-18-2006, 10:12 PM

I never really thought about it like that.
For me, when I had my encounter I asked the person if he had anything, he replied by telling me "no, I'm clean". Later of course that turned out to be a lie and he in fact was infected by HIV and intentionally put my health in harms way.

Anyway, I totally see your point in regards to clean vs. dirty, however, remember that "clean" is often used as a slang word for disease free. I would find it odd if someone asked if one was "dirty" or claimed to be "dirty". Either way, I believe that the main point of this point is in regards to societal undertone of HIV phobia, ****-disease, miseducation, etc...

Personally and ethically I think it’s a social injustice that the government will not properly educate society about this disease. All we ever hear about is "gay" people getting HIV in the US or about statistical information on AID/HIV in Africa! Its like they are trying to further this disease from society by all means possible. I know about the parallel between abstinence and our current government, however, this is no longer a "religious or political" issue. This is a socio-crisis issue. People need to be educated for prevention.

Enough ranting on this issue...I'm sure we all have beaten this issue to death in our heads and on the internet. Personally I feel the only true solution is to actively do something. I know I will be forever be affected by this even if end up being HIV negative or positive. I hope that in the future I will both financially and personally be able to further this cause of education, prevention and research for a cure. I just pray that more fortunate/wealthy people in this world follow Bill Gates and Warren Buffetts footsteps. Sad that people such as them give more money for HIV/AID research/prevention then most countries. God bless us all who have been either directly or indirectly affected by this tragic disease and are trying to learn and change for the better... And to the those who lie about there known status and put others in harms way, may you never sleep a sound/peaceful night again.