Boys On The Side Essay

No one expects to go through life without experiencing a few road bumps. Trials and tribulations are guaranteed, regardless of race, gender, or social standing. Often, people see these hardships as a means of division, separating humans into factions which can never understand one another. However, these individual sufferings can help form the strongest relationships. Consider Herbert Ross’ Boys on the Side, which features three women, who, despite their differences, come together to from a bond stronger than any could have anticipated. One in particular, Robin, thought her HIV positive status would forever isolate her from others. Viewers see her overcome this belief and gain a better understanding of those struggling with the virus. The

One day she was in good health, and the next her condition was quickly deteriorating. Conversely, her emotional response to having her illness shared without her knowledge was completely expected. Anyone harboring that kind of burden does not want it shared without their consent. I found her relationship with the HIV virus to be accurate, especially in her feelings of loneliness and ability to conquer them. The movie also does a splendid job of depicting HIV itself, from Robin’s thinning hair to Jane and Holly’s conversations about her T cells – also known as CD4 cells. Further research at aids.gov has taught me a higher CD4 cell count means someone’s HIV is under control, which perfectly matches the movie’s dialogue (“CD4 Count”). This movie primarily taught me how HIV/AIDS affects the lives of those infected. Robin’s struggle proves the disease impacts all facets of life, whether romantic, social, or emotional. She did not allow herself to plan a future, because she never expected to have one, and she pushed away family and friends so they would not get hurt. I learned suffering from HIV/AIDS can be a lonely existence, and survivors need support to stay strong. Her story argues against common misconceptions about AIDS; she proves it is not just a disease for homosexual men or those who have excessive sex. One time with a man was enough for her to contract the virus. Having