To the Editor:
At last, students here are beginning to take notice of the AIDS epidemic which has been ravaging this nation, as well as world for roughly 20 years now. With the approaching Red Hot Benefit Dance, scheduled for 6 December, as well as the following display of the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt the 7, 8, 9 of December, perhaps students will finally acknowledge the urgency of a social health crisis which threatens to wipe out a large portion of our generation. At a time when AIDS is the leading cause of death among American men ages 25-44, and the third leading cause of death among women of the same age, something needs to be done before the AIDS fatality rates of the next age bracket far outstrip the already striking statistics of the 25-44 age group. Awareness is the key, especially in developed nations like the United States. AIDS is a preventable disease, however if people don't feel the slightest bit at risk, then the simple precautions are not taken and these people will continue to die. No other disease in the United States has struck such a chord of social stigma and inspired such a wide range note of "it can't possibly happen to me" indifference. It is long overdue for people around the world, as well as students here in the sheltered environment of Oberlin College to realize the deadly proportions of this epidemic and take a stand, if for no other reason than to protect their own well being. All too often, attempts on campus to raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic have been met with a meager student response and a great deal of youthful indifference. Far fewer attempts have even been made to reach out the surrounding community. The upcoming displays of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, as well as the Red Hot Benefit provide the opportunities for students to overcome these past failures and start taking at least a few steps towards ensuring the survival of our generation in the years to come.
Copyright © 1996, The Oberlin Review.
Volume 125, Number 7; November 1, 1996
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