I found this essay very intriguing. I never new how big of a problem AIDS was in Haiti. Selzer did a great job of giving a lot of new, shocking facts about the disease and the effect it is having there. The numbers and percentages were astounding. I understand that AIDS has spread all over the world, but I thought only countries in Africa would have problems to this extent. Selzer also did a great job of presenting the full size of the issue without directly saying it. The numbers of people who came to the hospitals and clinics for AIDS care spoke volumes about the state that Haiti is in. Another thing I liked about the essay was how Selzer visited so many different places and questioned many different people about the topic. he did an excelent job of thoroughly researching the issue and getting opinions from all sides of the spectrum. As he put it, he "fastened [himself] to this lovely fragile land like an ear pressed to the ground." I was surprised that he went to such lengths. Starting off the story in a brothel was a great hook. It really surprised me when I found out why he was actually there.
The fight against AIDS is a difficult one and may seem impossible to win. This is especially true in counties such as Haiti where the disease is spreading so rapidly. I agree with the two doctors that Selzer quotes who believe that only education could slow the growth of the problem, but this will only work if the populous will accept the information provided.
You make some very good points here. He really does do a nice job of painting a picture of how serious the issue is. I like how you noticed how the variety in perspectives that he covered - the contrasts - yet the overall similarities are really powerful. You have chosen a good quote and your last line really captures the major obstacle in the way of hope for improvement.
ReplyDelete