Critique - Whisper Of Aids

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Critique: of A Whisper of AIDS by Mary Fisher ENG115-21 December 12, 2011 AIDS is an epidemic not isolated to any one country or race of people. It is an illness that continues to affect millions of people every year worldwide. In 1991, Mary Fisher discovered she contracted HIV/AIDS from her second husband. In 1992, Fisher delivered a speech entitled “A Whisper of AIDS”, at the Republican National Convention. This was a televised event before a large audience of politicians and government officials. My purpose in this critique is to evaluate the methodology used by Fisher, the substance of the speech and to ascertain its effectiveness. Her diction, intonation, body language, and choice of words throughout the speech were clearly employed to increase awareness to AIDS. In some ways, her choice of delivery serve a dual purpose in that it attempts to spur action through challenging the public’s long held fears and prejudices about AIDS. Fisher did achieve a standing ovation, which shows her points resonated with those in attendance. Fisher beseeched the citizens of the United States, and on a larger scale, the world, to acknowledge HIV/AIDS and increase public understanding and awareness of the disease. She utilized a particular pattern of speech organization, specifically, situation-problem- solution-evaluation pattern. Fisher painted a severe picture of the state of AIDS saying, “We are a nation at risk; AIDS is a colorblind disease that only asks one question, are you human?” To Fisher, the biggest problem is that “There are many untrue stereotypes of HIV/AIDS in the U.S.” She presented herself as the anti-stereotype. She is a not a drug abuser, promiscuous, homosexual or a minority. She is a married Caucasian mother who like many others contracted the disease. Fisher says it is her call to the nation, an appeal
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