Randy Shilts And The Band Plays On

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This research paper will summarize the book, And The Band Plays On: A synopsis about the disease, Acquired Immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The author, Randy Shilts, not only deals with the human devastation of AIDS, but, also the social and political implication as well. In addition, he expounds on the various stereotypes and stigmas attached to AIDS and how those stereotypes and stigmas helped to limit resources and funding for research and treatment. Shilts reveals the obstacles that gay rights advocates and community leaders confronted in their quest to bring attention to the AIDS epidemic. Paradoxically, some gay advocates, community leaders, and government officials were skeptical about exposing the intricacies of a disease that…show more content…
Initially, it diagnosed as a rare form of pneumonia that occurred in homosexual men and then later as a rare form of cancer (Fan, Aids Science, and Society.p.3). Yet, its effects became so devastating that there were more that 641, 00 cases if AIDS reported correctly in the United States between 1981 and 1997 (Fan, Aids Science and Society P. 4). With similar details, author Randy Shilts, addresses those issues in his book, And The Band Plays On, provide a substantial depiction of the AIDS…show more content…
The events detailed in this book, And The Band Plays On, serves as a paradigm for improving the lives of HIV infected individuals, primarily by outlining the many mistakes that were made. It is clearly delineated in the book how the significance of unity and having a common goal is necessary to overcome an epidemic. It shows the monstrosity created when self-interest, lack of education and ignorance replaces common interest, substantial knowledge, and logic. The book demonstrates the difference that social work might have played and did play when and if educated properly. The utilization of social work could have offset the cold and insensitive manner that HIV/ AIDS patients received. Currently the use of social work is more applicable in the fight against AIDS, as social workers continue to make significant and vital contributions whenever they see the challenge of
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