Magic Johnson is the best and worse thing to happen to the fight against HIV/AIDS. When Magic announced his infection the world was shocked and HIV/AIDS went from a homosexual disease to something so profound that Homosexual pro-athletes could be infected. Magic’s infection broke through many false assumptions about disease. He was an athlete, a modern day Superman, who was infected which flew in the face of HIV/AIDS stereotyping. He was gay, he wasn’t weak. Yet he was infected. Recognizing the power of attention and fear his announcement received, Magic participated in public-service videos with Arsineo Hall and become the face of an epidemic. With that, he because a tremendously powerful ally in the fight for HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.



I say that Magic was the greatest best thing to happen in the fight against HIV/AIDS because by becoming infected Magic served as a role model. One who took the disease from the bathhouse to His house. No longer was HIV His secret, no longer was it confined to the bathhouse, no longer was it something theoretical. Magic showed that HIV/AIDS could infect anyone and he used his celebrity to get the word out. Magic became a role model.



We just marked the 15 years anniversary of his announcement and for all his good work Magic now serves as the worst thing that ever happened to the fight against HIV/AIDS. Why? Because he is still alive and seemingly healthy.



Think about it for a minute. What is Magic showing us now? That anyone can get HIV but that it isn’t a death sentence. It isn’t even life-altering. Magic is still all over the press, he still looks healthy and even participates in charity sporting events. At the time of his infection his life appeared to be over. He was a doomed man and the power of that image inspired others to take preventative measures. Yet today HIV/AIDS is on the rise in our country again, especially in the Black community. Where Magic inspired awareness and precaution to his community, he now serves as a role model of delayed consequence. Why worry about a condom or high-risk sex? Nothing really happened to Magic.



As long as he lives and appears to be healthy, Magic will do tremendous damage to the fight against HIV/AIDS. I’m not rooting for him to die, but it is sad that his aliment as harmed both himself and a future generation of infecties who no longer fear that which they should



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