2/16-2/22: Magic Johnson and Tommy Morrison -- heroes at what price?

"People have got to know about [AIDS], said Morrison yesterday. "I will let them know I screwed up." But that's what Magic Johnson said five years ago. Now Magic's back, and "once again it feels right to believe in magic," according to Newsweek. Magic is now hailed as a hero and an inspiration; surely Tommy's turn will soon come. Is the magic obscuring the message? As prominent individuals -- often admitting promiscuity -- test HIV-positive, how should we react? Should they be heroes?

AHJAZZ - The athlete in our society is a gladiator, and they receive all the spoils of that status, e.g., money, celebrity, and many chances at promiscuity. It is an intoxicating mix. If there is anything to learn from these athletes is not to repeat their mistakes. There are few heroes left...

ArchDuchess - No matter how glamorous these people are, I think a lot of people still realize that AIDS is a dangerous disease. The high- profile personalities acknowledging that they are sick can only help the public to come to terms with the fact that it exists and strikes normal (whatever that may be) people.

kj1 - This only shows that heroes are only humans ... A limitation no one may escape.

rkennedy - We find these people of interest because of the emotion involved in sport. They give us moments of great joy ... and sorrow. Occasionally ... the rest of their lives give us joy and/or sorrow as well. We should react in the same way we would hope would react ... if we were they.

LisaL - How does catching a fatal disease through totally stupid and selfish behaviour (and possibly having passed it on to how many others) make your basic celebrity/athlete all of a sudden courageous and noble? I think that it's tragic that anyone should have to face something so horrible as AIDS, but I would hardly consider having AIDS to be considered a character "strength." These guys really are just mere mortals despite what the media would tell us, and to try to promote their situation in a positive light is way out in left field.

Netsiren - I believe that going "public" with the fact that a person has AIDS or is infected with the HIV virus is in itself a courageous thing to do in this day and age. Further, I believe that everyone who comes out and admits that they have the virus should be lauded as a hero.

alesi - Considering these are athletes, I would assume it is because of contractural reasons, the reason for their public announcement that they are HIV positive. As we all know, being HIV positive doesn't necessarily mean one will get AIDS. There are many people who are HIV positive for 8-10 years before a possible symptom could or would appear. Otherwise, I think privacy and anonymity regarding if one is HIV positive or not is essential to the healing of the individual.

schwa - Magic's photo was less clammy on the cover of Time. Newsweek did a bad job of silouhetting him.

Kimmy - I see them as heroes not because they are sports stars or whatever, but because they are very sick and are still managing to go on with their lives. Blaming them, condemning them for their past mistakes is just mean. They didn't go out and get HIV positive on purpose!

denaluna - I think they are absolutely heroes, just as everyone who is living with HIV or AIDS or any other disease is. The fact that HIV can be transmitted by sexual contact has nothing to do with whether they should be applauded for coming out with their stories. They set good examples for those who are living with HIV/AIDS and are a good reminder for those who aren't infected to stay that way. I have to disagree with the person who said "These guys really are just mere mortals despite what the media would tell us, and to try to promote their situation in a positive light is way out in left field." Yes, they are mere mortals just like everyone else, and I don't think anyone is trying to make it seem otherwise. But their situation should definitely be applauded. It takes a lot of character and strength to tell the whole world that you have AIDS and probably got it through sexual contact.

Adante - Why should we judge these people any more than we should judge any other ordinary mortal for being inflicted with the disease. Empathy and compassion should be a inborn human trait. Anyone suffering from AIDS should be understood and sympathised with rather than judged. After all, Magic and Tommy are still part of the human race. Or have we forgotten what it's like to be human?