A Rhetorical Analysis Of Mary Fisher's Speech

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This speech begins with Mary Fisher, the author, and how she has come to bring our silence to an end. This took place at The Republican National Convention on August 19, 1992. Fisher was there to tell a room of hundreds of people her own story, her story of being HIV positive. Fisher starts talking about how brutal AIDS is and how two hundred-thousand Americans are dead or dying from this disease. Even with science and research there is yet to be a cure. She goes on to explain how AIDS is not apolitical creature. This disease does not discriminate, it can affect anyone no matter race, gender, drug use or not. The main reason for this speech is to represent the AIDS community. For an individual to speak up on something that is usually …show more content…

While Fisher has been talking you can see the stern, concerned looks on the audiences face. With HIV/AIDS being a newly disease, not much known about, some may be hearing this truth for the first time. This disease is the 3rd leading killer of young Americans. This speech brings awareness to how this disease can spread, unlike cancer or heart disease. Fisher believes “we have killed each other-with our ignorance, our prejudice, and our silence.” Many hide in their own stereotypes, but for only so long. HIV has one target, humans. The individuals affected by this disease do not deserve cruelty or meanness. These human are not evil, not victims, nor longing for our pity. As the audience is drawn to this speech you can see some of the women pushing aside tears as they gain this knowledge. There needs to be a public stand on this disease. For a human with this disease the community needs to be judgement free. As a community we need to show affection, and helping to raise spirts for the whole family of the affected individual. In this speech it is stated “Much good has been done, but much remains done.” As parents raise their families they must not fear teaching them. We must act as eloquently as we