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SNAPSHOT: AIDS in the Philippines
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HIV Language Choice of Words
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The choice and use of words
carry with it messafes in addition to the literal meaning
of the words themselves. Discussion of HIV and related
issues is often fraught with tension because of the taboos
and prejudices, which lie beneath the surface of culture.
Careful use of language helps avoid reinforcing prejudice
and to clarify essential issues of human rights and dignity
which are so often early casualties of the epidemic.
Summary of important current preferred usages.
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| Not Preferred Usage |
Preferred Words |
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| Prostitute |
Commercial sex worker, the term used bu women who do this work. The nature of "prostitution" differs from country to country and from culture to culture. The term "sex worker" is inadeguate because some sex workers operate for money and some "non-commercial sex workers" operate for security. |
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| Dying of AIDS |
Living with AIDS, as it stresses the fact that a person continues to participate in life's activities. |
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| HIV-infected or HIV or virus carriers |
People living with HIV infection, because the emphasis should be on people and not on the virus or the infection. |
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| AIDS victims or AIDS suffers |
People living with AIDS, because the emphasis should be on the people and not the medical condition. The terms "victim" and "sufferer" suggest powerlessness. |
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| homosexual, bisexual, or gay |
Men who have sex with men, because many men who have sex with men do not identify themselves as homosexual, etc. It is also inappropriate to label people by virtue of their sexual orientation. |
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| lesbian |
Women who have sex with women, because many women who have sex with women do not identify themselves as lesbians. It is also inappropriate to label people by virtue of their sexual orientation. |
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| fighting against AIDS |
Working for Life, because the use of combative or military language does not encourage an attitude of caring. |
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| AIDS patient |
Person, because "AIDS patient" describes the person by his/her medical condition and a patient is not a person but someone reliant on a doctor. |
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| general population, the heterosexual majority, normal people, or etc. |
The popultion, because everyone is part of the population and no one should be excluded or isolated because of sexual orientation or behavior. |
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| risk groups |
Risk behaviors, in the context of the HIV epidemic it is the behavior that places one at risk of HIV infection rather thant their affiliation with a group. |
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| orphans, AIDS orphans, or children orphaned by AIDS |
Children living in families affected by HIV, because "Orphan" means different things in different countries (in African countries it often means a child who lost one parent). "Orphan" also implies helplessness and can be demeaning. An association with AIDS may bring discrimination. |
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| innocent babies |
Babies with HIV infection, because "innocent babies" suggests that someone else is guilty or has got the infection deliberately. |
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