[another_someone]

...media reports inevitably overplay the degree to which this reflects everyday life.

overplay! There were 21,000 child rapes reported in south africa in 2001 ( i can't find updated figures). That's reported rapes, how many went unreported? Overplay! I think not.

But the point I was making was that in sub-saharan Africa, there are estimated to be 24.7 million people infected with HIV, 2.1 million new cases each year.

Also, whatever may be said of South Africa, but what about the rest of sub-saharan Africa - there is no evidence such problems are reflected throughout the rest of Africa (some war torn regions may have their own similar issues, such as the DRC, but how do you explain Botswana or Kenya?).

[rhade]

I agree with sophiecentaur about the increasing weakness of the species. It is a time bomb, and very worrying.

How many individuals have to be affected before it does become a weakening of the species, though?
Also, regarding the possible causes of the spread of HIV in Africa, I've heard it suggested that, in certain African religions, anal sex is widely practised, as vaginal sex is regarded as too taboo. I don't know the truth of this, but if true, it would account for the areas where HIV is most prevelent (Africa and the gay community).
I hope this comment isn't upsetting anyone.

In my view, the two time bombs we have in the human population is increased lifespan (and so reduced adaptability, since it takes longer to create a new generation that can adapt to a new environment), and reduced internal competition within the species (i.e. that we become one global homogenised tribe, and so in the long run may have little global social and genetic variability, and thus again reducing our ability to react to environmental changes).

As I said above, I really do not believe the species is getting weaker (at least not in the sense that SophieCenteur was talking about), just far too specialised.  You are confusing the species with the individual.

We got to where we are by being highly adaptable, and highly competitive; and we are losing both of those historic traits.  We never got to where we are by being big and tough as individuals.

[another_someone]

Rhade,

Could you try and tidy up the way you have laid out the quotes.  It is difficult for anybody to see what you have said, and where you are quoting me.

I realise you are new here, and it sometimes takes a while to work out how the quoting system works - but it can lead to confusion.

[rhade]

Yeah, sorry about that. Something went wrong with it. Maybe there is some technique I haven't mastered yet.