In class we learned that Magic Johnson held a press conference on November 7, 1991 to announce that he had contracted the HIV virus and he would be retiring from basketball effective immediately. Even though I was only 3 years old when that happened and obviously too young to even comprehend the situation, I can see now that what he did was for the best. I admire that Magic took control of the situation and did what he had to do. It was very unfortunate timing for the athlete though. Magic Johnson was at his prime. He was a 3 time NBA MVP and his career was on the rise. Another reason I really admire Magic Johnson for is his decision to actually announce his condition to the world. Up until this point, HIV & AIDS was completely associated with homosexuals and drug use. I think this announcement really opened up the public's eyes to the severity of the HIV/AIDS situation and brought them to the realization that anyone could actually contract the virus.
Even though contracting HIV/AIDS is a devastating thing to happen to someone, Magic Johnson turned it into a learning tool and developed an empire dedicated to promoting health and well being. He created Magic Johnson Enterprises and Magic Johnson Foundation. His efforts have helped so many people since 1991 and continue to do so today.
Link to Magic Johnson's Website
I also admire Magic for coming out. I was also too young to understand what was going on but when I first learned about HIV/AIDS, I never really thought about being gay. I always heard you could be born with it, if a parent had it when conceived, and from needles and what not. I'm glad he came out because I think it really did open peoples eyes up.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. What Magic did was unbelievable. To be so well known and openly come out and say he has HIV/AIDS is crazy to me. I couldn't imagine contracting HIV and telling anyone let alone just about the entire world. What would this country be like today if Lebron James or Kobe Bryant or Tom Brady popped up on the TV screen saying their career is over due to contracting HIV/AIDS?
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I agree with you Brandy! It was brave of Magic to make his announcement at the prime of his career and when HIV/AIDS was still associated with homosexuals, drug use and prostitution. He really did turn a bad situation into something that would benifit society. I think that once people saw HIV/AIDS as something anyone could get, it was taken more seriously and more life-saving research was done.
ReplyDeleteYea Magic admitting to having HIV kind of changed the whole perspective on the HIV/AIDS virus. Before it was thought you had to be gay to get it and just really negative stigmas attached to it because not much was known about it, but Magic coming out kind of let people become more knowledgeable and a bit more understanding.
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