IQTI400@INDYCMS (macphil) (06/28/91)
In today's media:
Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and NYTimes all have coverage of the
AMA decision on mandatory AIDS testing. Here is what is interesting:
the perspective of the material. Towit:
Chicago Tribune:
"AMA votes down mandatory AIDS tests for doctors"
USA Today:
"AMA rejects mandatory AIDS testing"
NYTimes:
"A.M.A. Approves AIDS Testing for Doctors and Health Workers"
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Also, in the Chicago Tribune's "Magazines" column, there is mention
that "Columnist writes that AIDS activists may be too smart for
their own good" in the June issue of _Lingua Franca_. (in regard
to ACT-UP). The summary is "The result, he argues, is that ACT-UP
does little more than grandstand and manipulate the media,
trivializing its cause rather than effecting desired reform of
alleged homophobia, misogyny, and racism. ($3.95, 175 5th Ave.,
Suite 2245, NY NY 10010)
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%N.B. <on>
Please do not take any of the following as flames, just some
writing based upon material I have read here lately--specifically
regarding the Newsweek cover.
%N.B. <off>
I'd like to build your perceived anger and resentment toward my
<alleged> callousness and insensitivity by stating that I am a
white, conservative, straight male who has not known anyone
first-hand that has died of AIDS (children of co-workers and
FOAF {friend-of-a-friend} is as close as it has gotten so far).
Whilst being stubborn, I am also known for being very open-minded
and willing to hear the words of the other side & @ least willing
to consider the position of another party. I have many friends
who have come out to me because they know of this quality and that
that I do not necessarily share what I am told, regardless of
my personal feelings about what I am told. Anyways, on to the
cruxt.
I've noticed a strong tendency, both here on the list, and in the
media (in covering the actions of ACT-UP) toward the apparent
indifference to the plight of those persons falling into what could be
considered "high risk categories" while seeming to be deeply moved
by the plight of "innocent" people who "didn't deserve it". Notice
I didn't make any commentary about whether anyone did deserve the
disease or ask for it.
I feel moved by those persons whose lives have been upset or ended
by this malady. I don't feel those who contracted it via
sexual transmission or hypodermic needles are any more to "blame"
than those who have received it as a patient of a dentist, doctor,
et alia; I also don't feel the latter are any more innocent than
the former.
There is a difference, however, in going to a doctor or dentist,
not knowing whether they are "hot" and not being able to control
the exposure and practicing unsafe sex or share needles, regardless
of the circumstances. Perhaps in terms of education, one needs
to call going to the doctor or dentist "high risk behaviour" so
it is treated with the same consideration for safety.
When the media quotes someone (as in Newsweek) as saying "I didn't
ask for this." they are not necessarily saying anyone else did--
those are the words you are putting into their mouths. Quite
frankly, I'm getting more and more tired of being told via
the media and those on the list that "I don't care". That's bull.
There are times where my open-mindedness has been quite challenged
because persons choose to attempt to make other feel guilty by
what they think others feel or think. In many ways, you are
committing the same narrow-minded, hostile acts you accuse
others of. If nothing else, look at the anecdote of the
philosopher whose student approached him and said "Teacher,
you'll never believe what things are being said about you" (and
goes on to elaborate on them. When asked what the teacher
would do in return, the philosopher replied "I will continue
to live such that none will believe them." My point is that
you are merely fulfilling stereotypes to do what you do.
Because I do not advocate spending every available dollar on
research for this disease does not mean I don't think research
should be done. And, because I don't take a vow of poverty,
sell all my worldly possessions and donate every spare minute
of time and all of the proceeds from the above sales doesn't
mean I care any less.
In summary, I'd like to say: grow up. Many of the things said
and done by those most affected are undoubtedly the result of
emotions out of control in an impossible situation. But to
continue to make the accusations that are made and the assumptions
as to what is thought and felt by others are only exacerbating
the situation and accomplishing just the opposite of what you
originally set out to do. Acting stupid does not enlighten others,
nor does it make them feel any more compassionate. No reasonable
person is asking anyone under any circumstances to merely
lie down and die, but going out /c a fight does not mean the
fight has to be /c everyone else. Think before you strike.
We're all in this together.
I'd like to offer the media coverage of ACT-UPs actions in
Chicago as a good example. Most of what was seen was a bunch
of raving lunatics running around /c spray paint and acting
like a bunch of two-year-olds. Now to the average American
who is not "enlightened", the first, second, and third thoughts
are going to be "what a bunch of idiots--and they want us to
be concerned about what happens to them?"
Please reply directly to me since I have a feeling this will
get <hot> eventually and I'd like to keep the really hot
stuff off of the list.
If I don't reply immediately, it might be because I'm on my way
to Ryan White's gravesite for a visit...it's just a few miles
down the road from my home.
MacPhil | iqti400@indycms.bitnet | iqti400@indycms.iupui.edu