|
 |
|
This one is due Monday, November 28th. |
||
|
"And The Band Played On..." (If you didn't see it in class, it is in the library).
1. Slowly and reflectively write a few paragraphs that answer the following questions. What was the story this movie told? Why that title? When you reflect on the story, what was the most remarkable information you gained? How has society changed as a result of its experience with AIDS? What is the lesson society should take from this story?
2. How might you have reacted if you had been in a position of government or political authority during the Reagan years, and suddenly heard reports of a "Gay Disease?" Bear in mind the financial and political situation of the government at that time. The American economy was in recession, there were huge deficits, President Carter had mishandled the Iran Hostage crisis, and Reagan had been elected on a conservative landslide. All programs that could be cut were, except for the military, which was increased.
3. If you were a gay man in the audience at that community meeting depicted in the movie, do you think you would have been booing or cheering the motion to close the bath houses? Why? Despite his "good intentions," how do you think Dr. Francis might have entered and communicated to that community more successfully? How does this relate to the mission of Needle Exchange, MCAP, or Dorothy's?
4. If you had been the manager of a blood bank and had no way to pay for tests and didn't want to violate civil rights of donors… how might you have worked to make blood transfusions safer? How does this relate to the conditions at Natividad Hospital, where many of you are doing your service?
5. Reflect on the roles of people who work for community health in this country and around the world, and at your sites. Are things getting better or worse? What did Dr. Francis accomplish during the movie? How about Dr. Gallo?
6. You have learned about several emerging (and re-emerging) diseases in this course. For example, Lyme, Hantavirus, Ebola, West Nile Virus, Bird Flu, and SARS. What should society be doing to prepare for the coming epidemics? What can you do?