The Whisper of AIDS

On August 19th, 1992, Mary Fisher addressed the Republic National Convention about the ongoing HIV/AIDS Epidemic. She extensively incorporates ethos and pathos to get across the her views about the problem and to make people think twice about how it can easily affect them.

It is very significant when Fisher talks about her own experience with HIV with herself as well as the many people in the hospital, and reassures the public that she has faith in fighting it: especially with her family surrounding her with support. The stance that is constant throughout is that the reality of the disease should not be silent, nor should people have a false sense of security that they are safe from the disease. No matter what race, sex, or religion one could be, you are at risk. Although she expresses the fact that more awareness needs to be exhibited, she does not bash anyone. She is very devoted in her tone, and speaks to the future, in a positive light. In order to feel comfort during this difficult time, you must have courage. She explains this to give off the idea that there is nothing you can do if you do nothing but be afraid. It's okay to feel this way, but it is the future and the improvement and mankind that is extremely important during this difficult time of extreme suffering.