Red Ribbons, Blue Themes

With the Academy Awards tonight, we can expect to see another display of red ribbons on the stylish garments of producers, directors, writers and actors who want us to be aware of their support for AIDS treatment and research. Their message will come at a time when women and young adults are becoming HIV-infected at ever-increasing rates--a sixfold increase for women, it was reported recently.

I applaud their message. Nothing could be more joyous than to halt this tragic disease that affects all segments of society.

But, frankly, I am tired of t he hypocrisy of the entertainment industry. Hollywood rightly criticizes the government, some religious institutions and an all-too-often hostile public for not doing enough to combat AIDS. The industry calls for change from these quarters but does not change its own product: It continues to portray casual and unprotected sex on the big and small screen.

Particularly disturbing is the increase in casual sex between complete strangers that is creeping into the home via the little screen. For example:

* The new show “University Hospital” revolves around four young student nurses. One character picks up a stranger in a bar and after knowing him for an hour or so takes him to bed.

* On the same day that the article about the increase of AIDS in women appeared, this is what appeared on “Seinfeld”: Elaine plays escort for a gay man who does not want his employer to know that he is gay. Elaine laments that all the really good-looking guys are gay. . . .

What a pity for her. She then sets out to “convert” him, to set him straight, so to speak.

To her delight she successfully beds him, and is dismayed to discover that it was only a temporary “conversion.” She blames it on the fact that she does not have the same “equipment” as men and therefore is at a disadvantage. She is not as adept at handling this “equipment” as a man is . . . after all they have handled this “equipment” all of their lives.

*

Has this street-smart woman never heard of AIDS? It is one thing to not blame homosexuals for AIDS. It is another to fall into bed with a gay man whom she barely knows. What’s next, a night of passion with an I.V. drug user? What the heck--as long as he’s good looking.

On the big or small screen, good looks seem to be the all-important factor for a sexual relationship. It’s as if good-looking people are immune to this deadly virus.

For what reason do the producers, writers and actors wear their red ribbons? The ongoing theme of sexual promiscuity is still prevalent. Men sleep with anything that moves, women sleep with anyone who will have them and young adults jump in and out of bed at the drop of the hat. After all, not to do so would be prudish!

If the entertainment industry is sincere in the battle to defeat AIDS, then the almost obligatory wearing of the red ribbon must be backed by actions. If red ribbons are symbolic of a commitment to defeat AIDS, then the industry must live up to the symbolism by stopping the portrayal of casual sexual encounters.

If industry people do not understand this message or cannot remember it, I suggest that they remove the red ribbons from their lapels and tie them around their “equipment” (whatever it may be) as a constant reminder that AIDS is a sexually transmitted disease!