Reflection: An unforgettable 7-months

#5 : One Life Revolution (OLR) exhibition

(Had not just the opportunity to be a small part of the exhibition - manning the booth at 2 venues, but had also personally experienced the exhibition and was inspired to write the following article)

Recalling the stigma I had on him – a middle aged man living with HIV/AIDS. He never failed to put on his best shirt and smile each time I greeted him at the dispensary. Friendly was he that he took every opportunity to show his gratitude with a handshake. I feared. Despite being medically trained and know very well that the virus is non-transmittable by touch, I had stigmatised the man instead of empathizing with him.

I would like to think that I have a changed of heart and mind. Instead of negatively labeling one being, I should have the compassion in understanding the battle they have to face daily. Such transformation is on its’ way…

Have recently put myself in the shoes of children affected by HIV/AIDS – journeyed to the different countries and learnt life lessons no pharmaceutical books could have offered. Just in case you were visualizing me on a noble road trip around the globe saving lives affected by HIV/AIDS, I had better set the notion right. I participated in an interactive experiential exhibition where I was transported to India, Cambodia as well as to scenes where I am ignorant of in my very own country. The exhibition simulated these countries and had definitely teleported me to surroundings where I so often hear about but have not seen it with my own eyes.

These stories touched on the very lives of individuals particularly children in their struggle against poverty and some eventually succumbed to the disease. Many a times we think of those in a polygamous relationship or having an addiction and aligned them with the fact that they so deserve it. But take a step back and broaden your narrow-mindedness.

The stories I went through had one common plot, i.e. poverty. Imagine a minor being trafficked for sex slavery; family barely surviving and the men succumbed to substances and sexual immorality; child laborers in high risk environment and the many more circumstances in this vicious cycle of poverty. As the hope of survival seems so distant, how can we still turn away and not empower them?

Another issue propped up – gender disparity in this modern age? Yes, it is sad to recognize such discrimination still existing in many parts of the world especially Asia. Imagine a girl being left behind by her very own mother to the hands of an ageing grandmother. To cut the story short or rather not to spoil the plot – she eventually was cheated to the brothel. Even though she was eventually rescued, her physical and emotional scars will not heal instantly and HIV/AIDS will be her daily struggle.

Having to listen and experience these stories should not merely touch one to tears but instead to be impacted to do something. Incidentally the tagline to the exhibition is – One Life, Do Something. Catchy it may sound it really sums up the purpose of such an advocacy.