Helen Epstein went into great detail about her journeys and what she found along the way. Helen talked a lot about things that I never really knew about. I had no idea that the government did so little to help out and how they took so much from the people. I didn’t know about all these different organizations and support groups these people have. Honestly, we are so oblivious to these kinds of things because why would we need to know. Obviously everyone has the common basic knowledge of AIDs and HIVs from health class, but its not a common thing up here in the US. When she started talking about LoveLife it seemed like such a good idea, the young adults that were healthy, people for the kids to look up to and want to be like, is so smart. But they didn’t really use it for much other than that. Yes they would have a few conversations here and there about safe sex, but never about AIDs. And it’s frustrating reading about the fact that they know the likelihood of getting these diseases if they have sex, but it’s almost like they don’t care. And so many people don’t want to talk about anything almost because they are embarrassed. I can understand and second that is embarrassing and awkward to be talking to family and friends about sex and AIDs but it is so important and is something that really should be talked about. When Helen was talking to LoveLife about the conversations they are having with the kids LoveLife said, “We know that if we just came out and started lecturing them about AIDs they wouldn’t listen. They would just turn off…” (p.114) I agree with that. When my parents or teachers talk at me I just float off, I can’t focus. I will get intimidated or scared so I just can’t process things. And with the topics that LoveLife talk about I can totally understand if the kids were to shut down. I agree with the fact that the kids need to be talked with, and not talked too. They need to be part of the conversation, they can’t be lectured and hold their questions to the end. They need to put their personal stories in there, it helps people connect. Helen covered a lot of things in this article, it was eye-opening and fascinating to hear about other cultures struggles.
