Seeing as the Pope and the Catholic church have great influence on the morals and social behavior among Africans, it is somewhat upsetting to have the Catholic Church's figurehead denounce the use of condoms. Though the distribution of condoms alone will not stop the spread of HIV/AIDS, it is one way that could definitely help put a dent in the number of adults and children suffering and dying each day. I agree more with the political cartoon below, out of the "Korea Times" online newspaper, that attacks the Pope for being ignorant about the magnitude of the HIV/AIDS epidemic:
Ignorance seems to be the problem both in Africa and beyond its borders. The lack of information and education in Africa leads to its people's ignorance about HIV/AIDS effect and how it is spread. Westerners are ignorant about the African cultural, which makes us unable to communicate the problem and teach Africans in a way that makes them aware and care. We cannot force our ideals or what we believe is right and not expect rejection, unless we approach education (abstinence, condoms, etc.) in a way that considers the audience.
It's a slippery slope trying to figure out who should be responsible for helping stop the spread of HIV/AIDs and pandemics. I think it is important for countries with the resources to do what they can to help others out, not only because these pandemics can be deadly to their own citizens, but because it is impossible for these countries to overcome the problems alone. It seems that the issues that the United States chooses to get involved in are always scrutinized by others who believe we should leave the rest of the world alone. It's funny though, that when the United States does not get involved in global issues to the extent that others would like, the United States is still scrutinized for not taking action and helping those in need. In the world of globalization, America seems to always be the bad guy.
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