Activist Rips AIDS Coverage

The media is not giving adequate attention to the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) epidemic, a gay rights activist said yesterday at a speech in Boylston Hall attended by half a dozen people.

Citing statistics showing that as the number of AIDS cases increases, the amount of media coverage decreases, activist Warren J. Blumenfeld said he would like to see coverage of the deadly disease regain the momentum it had in 1986 and 1987.

"The media can do much in the age of AIDS," said Blumenfeld, co-author of a recent book about gay and lesbian life. "It can educate, stimulate discussion and it can also motivate people to get involved in AIDS work."

But Blumenfeld did not limit his criticism to the lack of coverage. He challenged the use of several common media phrases such as "AIDS victim" and "AIDS patient," saying that these labels carry with them a connotation of defeat or dependency.

Another problem Blumenfeld mentioned was Dan Rather's use of the phrase "infants with AIDS--the most innocent victims."

In response, Blumenfeld said he wrote a letter to Rather saying that he "finds the words irresponsible" and that his statement "implies that adults are guilty."

"We all must choose our words more carefully," Blumenfeld concluded.

Blumenfeld began his speech by commenting on the low turnout.

"This place should be packed," the activist said. "I think it reflects the attitude that people are really sick and tired of hearing about AIDS."

When questioned, Blumenfeld explained how he thinks the media could enhance its coverage despite what appears to be a satiated public.

"We need President Bush to take a stand," said Blumenfeld. "We need a positive exchange. The media can be more sophisticated. There are good, exciting and creative ways that the media can be used to pull the public into policy debates."

Although the current lack of attention given to AIDS may be a backlash against the amount of media coverage given during the last few years, Blumenfeld said that it was the public perception of AIDS as a gay men's disease that limited coverage.

"Two `disposable' minorities were getting the disease--gay men and intravenous drug users," Blumenfeld said. "In 1983, media coverage begins to pick up. Why? Heterosexuals are shown to be at risk."

Yesterday's speech was part of the Festival of Life, a week-long benefit for AIDS research and care.