I know that most people don't want to hear anymore about AIDS. Some even think that now that new therapies have been found, it's not worth talking about it as much. And though, on one of the billboards they installed today at the Opera on the occasion of worlds AIDS Day, I learned that still todays, every 6 seconds in the world, someone gets contaminated with the virus. In France, the most famous organization that fights AIDS is called Aides, and they are currently raising money to pursue their struggle against what will probably be remembered as the plague of the 20th century.
Man's inhumanity to man might also be remembered as the plague of well, mankind. There's that word again, Alexa.
ReplyDeleteIt is still an important topic, indeed, Eric. Any disease impacting human life like this needs attention. Thanks for the updated information -- both the sad aspect of the continued spread of AIDS as well as the hopeful aspect of improved therapies.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, is this a billboard at the Opera Garnier or the Opera de la Bastille?
Speaking of inhumanity: some experts are arguing that the AIDS crisis is overblown!
ReplyDeleteStill important, Eric.
ReplyDeleteHey Cali, GF!
My heart goes out to anyone affected in any way by this horrendous killer. AIDS has no mercy.
ReplyDeleteEric, I'm sure this entry and your link will make a difference not only in awareness, but also in the amount of money raised. You are always reminding me why I admire your blog much!
I second that, Twinnie.
ReplyDeleteAs long as there is superstition about medicine, sexuality, and the nature and causes of diseases, scourges like AIDS will remain with us. Superstition still runs very deep in the United States. Ignorance not only begets ignorance, but demands it.
ReplyDeleteI never mind being reminded of all that is yet to be accomplished in the battle against Aides. I have lost so many dear friends to this tragic disease. Another great photo, and thought for my day.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. It really doesn't get the attention it used to. Back when I lived in San Diego, I went on an Aids Walk and it was a very moving experience seeing the Aids Quilt.
ReplyDeleteA fitting reminder Eric and so true Eiffel Tower Suzy of how a small post on a blog can make a difference. Thanks for not shying away from the subject Eric.
ReplyDeleteI echo Cali and the others...a tragedy of our day...my heart goes out to those who battle it daily.
ReplyDeleteWorld Aids day got news coverage in LA and President Bush spoke on the subject, so it hasn't been ignored here. I'm glad of that. Bush is proud of his record of spending to provide drugs for African AIDS victims. I don't have anything to compare it to, but it seems he did well in that area. You know I'm not his fan, but I'm willing to give credit where it's due. Am I right? Is it due?
ReplyDeletefrom cali -- it's you encore! Way to go.
ReplyDeleteEric -- until there's a cure we absolutely need to keep on hearing about it. I don't know about you, but I've lost way too many friends to AIDS. Great photo, too.
I like the way they painted the red ribbon in the lower left corner -- expressionism, very volatile. I also like the person in the lower left corner -- gives your photo that human element.
ReplyDeleteYes, AIDS is bad and so is CANCER. I lost an Aunt recently to breast cancer -- that's the pink ribbon. I was asking my Grand Aunt did they have breast cancer when she was young (she was born 1901)? She replied, "Yes, of course, we just didn't talk about it." OMG I couldn't believe it.
When I did album covers, once I was with a band member who was signed to the same record company as I was. This was about 1972 or '73. Anyway, a very handsome young man came over to our table and talked with us for a while and then left. The band member, turned to me and said, that is Cindy's baby's father and he is dying of a "Gay" disease aka Aids; but you are not to discuss it; he forbids it. OMG, I told her that if I were dying I would be screaming about it. She said, no, absolutely not -- do not discuss it. So he died in silence in a month or two.
I am so happy that people talk about these illnesses now. And, USElaine, you put your comment so eloquently. Very touching. You are right on target.
I agree that there's a huge need for aids awareness and support for treatment. In countries where treatment is readily available, each generation that hasn't lost people seems to need to learn that it can affect them. In many places, treatment is too expensive or fear makes treatment unavailable.
ReplyDeleteI just saw an African Documentary all about the stigma and grief of a family who had just lost a second member to aids. Breaking taboos and speaking out -- at his funeral -- they said neither member had gotten treatment because no one wanted to acknowledge the disease.
Ignorance and fear can be killers - every little bit of support and openness counts, Eric. Good for you.
Wow - I just reread Lois' comment about USElaine's comment - and then really read that -- very eloquent and true.
ReplyDeletePeople may not want to hear about AIDS but they need to.
ReplyDeleteThe first French movie I saw that dealt with the topic was Savage Nights, I believe (Les Nuits Fauves?). There may have been others but that's the first French movie I saw on that topic, in the US. I remember thinking at the time that the movie was a little too "in your face" and quite difficult to watch. But it was explained to me later that sometimes that's what it take for people to take notice. The idea has sunk in now, and I can agree with it to a degree.
Meanwhile, in San Francisco ...
(By the way, here is a link on the movie if anyone is interested)
http://filmsdefrance.com/FDF_Les_nuits_fauves_rev.html
> Nasty GG "Amazing, I thought December 1st theme day was of another sort…" Be patient! You know on PDP everything is one day late ;)
ReplyDeleteEXCELLENT ! and thank you Eric for the thought and the link !
Thank you for keeping the message alive...
ReplyDeleteMaybe it's true that people stay away from this cause - your comments are down from the usual high number aren't they? So far, anyway. Interesting to monitor later on. Still, the more people who mention it, the better, Eric.
ReplyDeleteWhat? Social awareness on PDP? How amazing!
ReplyDeleteWell done once again, M. Eric.
I'm sorry I haven't gotten to read other peoples comments yet today but I am not under the impression that people are sick of hearing about aids.So thank you for posting this Eric, it is so important.
ReplyDeleteI posted this telling video yesterday on my other blog. I wish I knew how to do the link to make it easier, but you may visit this site if you'd like, http://www.annielennoxsing.com/
there is a gadget on the site where you can put it on your blog as well.
50k new AIDS cases are reported in the US each year. AIDS is the #6 killer among Americans age 15-24. In some Asian and African countries the infection rate is far, far worse.
ReplyDeleteWe can't focus too much attention on this.
Nobody wants to hear about AIDS, or the slaughter of innocent people in a hotel on the other side of the world, or children starving perhaps only miles from where you live, but they NEED to! The struggle against this devastating disease is hardly over and it continues to impact our lives whether we know it or not.
ReplyDeleteMerci for the "Awareness Post" Eric.
Aids does not care if we want to hear about it or not. Aids just is.
ReplyDeleteLily, please forgive me. I was not strong enough to make it through the entire video. Thank you, however, for bringing it over here. I didn't even know Annie had that foundation.
ReplyDeleteI want to hear about it. We can't forget that. Once a year is not enough...
ReplyDeleteI lost a loved one to AIDS. I think that any attention that can be brought to this horrible epidemic is important. Thank you for mentioning it on your blog.
ReplyDelete