Offering Compassion to the Victims of AIDS

It’s not funny anymore. Not that they ever were. I am referring to the tabloids. I have just read your story, “Breaking the Silence,” about the Glaser family and the incredible challenge brought to them by AIDS (Aug. 25). They have spoken with courage to Janet Huck of The Times because the tabloids are preparing an onslaught of cruelty against them, and they are attempting through honesty and responsible reporting to protect themselves.

The major tabloid has changed its television advertising. No longer does a booming baritone voice-over seriously inform us that “inquiring minds want to know.” Instead, a lighter-hearted scene of semiattractive readers is shown giggling over the contents of the paper, and the voice-over has considerably lightened up. But it’s not funny. It never has been true, and it’s not funny, either.

I think the tabloids are a success based upon jealousy and stupidity. Jealousy because only a jealous person could possibly be pleased to read distorted accounts of the lives of others who seem to be happy, or “have it all,” or are living with the blessing of the double-edged sword of fame. Stupidity because those who buy it know it isn’t true, but fork over the 50 cents anyway. That’s stupid. That’s jealous. That’s inexcusable.

The tabloid in question prints stories full of lies and distortion based upon personal tragedy and misunderstanding. It is the National Enquirer. Do not support it. DO NOT BUY IT. DO NOT BUY IT EVER AGAIN. Instead, embrace the Glaser family, and others like them who are not famous. Love and support them, and give them the respect and privacy they deserve.

Fifty cents sent to Elizabeth Glaser’s Pediatric AIDS Foundation, instead of wasted on such terrible trash will make a difference--now and in the future. Send it, instead of spending it, to Elizabeth’s Pediatric AIDS Foundation. Send it--don’t spend it. Send it if you were going to buy the tabloid. Send it even if you weren’t. I will.

KATE JACKSON