Hollywood's Role in Perpetuating the Stigma of Herpes

As someone living with herpes, I’ve experienced firsthand the stigma and misinformation that surrounds this common condition. While I appreciate a good joke as much as anyone, I feel that some topics should be approached with sensitivity and respect, especially when they affect over a half-billion people worldwide. Herpes is a medical condition with no cure, and making it the punchline of jokes in popular media only perpetuates harmful stereotypes and deepens the stigma. Unlike other STDs like HIV and HPV, herpes often gets singled out for ridicule, raising the question: why do people feel it’s okay to make fun of it?

Hollywood's Harmful Portrayals

Movies:

The Hangover (2009):

In "The Hangover," there is a scene where the character Phil (played by Bradley Cooper) jokes, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas. Except for herpes. That shit'll come back with you." This casual and comedic reference to herpes contributes to the notion that herpes is something to be ashamed of and mocked, rather than a manageable medical condition​.

Superbad (2007):

In "Superbad," the character Seth, played by Jonah Hill, makes several jokes about herpes, reinforcing the idea that having herpes is a source of embarrassment and ridicule. This type of humor perpetuates the stigma and makes it harder for those with herpes to feel comfortable discussing their condition​.

TV Shows:

Beef (Netflix Series):

In the Netflix series "Beef," there is a moment when a character comments on a sculpture by saying, "It looks like herpes poo-pooed all over it." This crude reference trivializes the condition and perpetuates negative stereotypes​.

Family Guy:

The animated series "Family Guy" often includes herpes in its jokes. The show’s irreverent humor can be harmful as it presents herpes in a derogatory and mocking manner, further stigmatizing those who have it​.

The Emotional Impact

The casual and often derogatory mention of herpes in media has real-world consequences. For individuals living with herpes, these portrayals can lead to feelings of shame, isolation, and decreased self-worth. When a medical condition is consistently used as a joke, it invalidates the experiences of those who manage it daily.

Emotional Harm:

Stigmatization: 

People with herpes often face social stigma, which can result in discrimination and exclusion. Media portrayals that mock or trivialize herpes exacerbate this stigma, making it harder for individuals to speak openly about their condition and seek support.

Mental Health: 

The negative portrayal of herpes can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and stress for those affected. Constantly seeing the condition used as a punchline can make individuals feel marginalized and misunderstood.

Hindrance to Open Dialogue: 

When herpes is stigmatized in media, it discourages open discussions about the condition. This lack of dialogue can prevent people from getting accurate information, leading to misconceptions and further perpetuating the cycle of stigma.

Changing the Narrative

It is crucial to change how herpes is portrayed in popular media to reduce the stigma and support those living with the condition. Here are some steps that can be taken:

Accurate Representation:

Media creators should strive for accurate and empathetic portrayals of herpes. This includes depicting characters with herpes in a realistic and respectful manner, highlighting their experiences without resorting to jokes.

Education and Awareness:

Promoting educational content about herpes in popular media can help dispel myths and reduce stigma. Shows and movies can incorporate factual information about the condition, emphasizing that it is common and manageable.

Empathy and Understanding:

Encouraging empathy and understanding in media narratives can help shift public perception. By focusing on the human experience of living with herpes, media can foster a more supportive and inclusive environment.

Bringing Awareness and Compassion

While some people are able to laugh at themselves for having herpes and treat it as if it's no big deal, there are millions of people who don't find it funny at all. This issue should be brought to the forefront, and we should be having conversations where, yes, we understand that comedy exists and we mock and make fun of a lot of things, but this is not to be taken lightly. We need to bring awareness that people with herpes aren't dirty and start to learn to have compassion for those who do have it. By changing the way herpes is portrayed and discussed, we can help reduce the stigma and provide a more supportive environment for everyone.

Final Thoughts

Hollywood has the power to shape societal attitudes, and with this power comes the responsibility to portray conditions like herpes accurately and sensitively. By moving away from derogatory jokes and toward empathetic storytelling, we can help reduce the stigma associated with herpes and support those who live with it. It’s time for Hollywood to recognize the impact of its portrayals and contribute to a more informed and compassionate society.

About the Author

Cat Dupree is the founder of Herpes Wellness and is dedicated to helping others navigate life with herpes, advocating for education and reducing the associated stigma. With a passion for mentoring and coaching, Cat empowers individuals to heal and feel confident despite their diagnosis.