"Magic's Moments"

Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1991. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.

"Magic's Moments"

Washington Post (Health) (12/17-24/91), P. 6
Herman, Robin

Abstract: In the November issue of Sports Illustrated, HIV-positive basketball player Magic Johnson told his fellow players, "I know that we are pursued by women so much that it is easy to be weak. Maybe by getting the virus, I'll make it easier for you guys to be strong." Johnson's comment, writes Washington Post staff writer Robin Herman, is part of the age-old male habit of blaming women for evil temptations. The athletes, she writes, are eschewing responsibility for their own health and speaking as though they are victims. Through their arrogance, they seem to be ignorant that women and children pay a higher price for sexually transmitted diseases than men do. Curable STDs are less easily diagnosed, and can cause more internal harm, in women than in men. In addition, women with STDs are much more vulnerable to contracting HIV than healthy women are, according to the World Health Organization. Because men, through the use of condoms, shoulder the burden of overcoming the AIDS epidemic, it is time that they stopped blaming women for their own actions, Herman concludes.

911217
AD912236

Copyright © 1991 - Information, Inc., Bethesda, MD. The CDC National Center for HIV, STD and TB Prevention provides the following information as a public service only. Providing synopses of key scientific articles and lay media reports on HIV/AIDS, other sexually transmitted diseases and tuberculosis does not constitute CDC endorsement. This daily update also includes information from CDC and other government agencies, such as background on Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles, fact sheets, press releases and announcements. Reproduction of this text is encouraged; however, copies may not be sold, and the CDC HIV/STD/TB Prevention News Update should be cited as the source of the information. Contact the sources of the articles abstracted below for full texts of the articles.

AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.

Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 1991. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.

Copyright ©1980, 1991. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content.