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Baer added that the show was successful in bringing to light the
fact that HIV need not be a death sentence. In fact Rubin's character
broke through stereotypical notions by stating that HIV people can
bring hope and help people suffering from other problems like drub
abuse. An HIV affected person is not necessarily tragically sad
and spending lots of time in bed. Interestingly when fans of ER
met Rubin in real life they asked how she was not realising that
she was only acting. On the show Rubin's character also spoke to
pregnant teens.
Baer was also honest enough to admit that on one episode of Law
and Order Special Victims Unit he wasn't as honest as he could
have been when an episode called Download had an Aids story.
Here a married man who is a closet homosexual gives the virus to
his wife. Star executive producer Nilanjana Purkayastha said that
the medical soap Sanjivani introduced an Aids afflicted character
Dr. Omi. However the character had to be made larger than life and
likeable first like Patch Adams before the issue could be introduced.
The aim of the character was to address the social stigma that accompanies
a person suffering from Aids. The show saw a drop in ratings but
it was not as bad as feared. In fact at one point Dr. Omi is asked
to leave the hospital when his seniors learn about his condition.
Sony assistant VP marketing Nina Elavia Jaipuria pointed that an
episode of Indian Idol had incorporated the concept. Aids
activist and actor Richard Gere had come down.
So Sony arranged for him to speak to the finalists about the role
they have to play in communicating the message. The finalists visited
an HIV Care home in Delhi. They also composed a song about it. The
challenge for Sony was to creatively weave the theme in to the show.
In fact Heroes Project had approached Sony about creating awareness
about the social cause. The Aids song Ek Jahaan is featured on Indian
Idol winner Abhijeet's album.
Will And Grace executive producer Tracy Poust said that
one of the episodes mentions that Grace got herself tested for being
HIV positive. The aim was to break the notion that homosexuality
and Aids go together. Right wing conservative Americans who watch
the show have that view. So they feel that gay men deserve that
fate not realising thsat the problem is far bigger. She said that
Will and Grace was funny. Therefore it was easier for audiences
to accept the fact that two characters are gay. However according
to her some viewers even now are not aware of that. Baer maintains
that it is important for a show not to focus on educating the viewer.
After all people watch television to escape boredom.
"Law and Order focuses on tough stories with shades of grey.
Not everyone will agree with what is going on but it will leave
them with plenty to think and reflect on. The viewer might learn
something in spite of him/herself. What is interesting on our show
is that characters have different points of view on sensitive issues
like abortion and why sexual crimes are committed."
In another session called Real Stories different speakers brought
to life real life situations. Media needs to highlight the fact
that HIV positive does not mean that life is over. Secondly issues
of privacy should be clear. The privacy of people should not be
invaded. The sensitivity should be there as there is prejudice and
if the media is not careful it will add to the prejudicial atmosphere.
One of the sessions moderated by MTV's Cyrus Broacha dealt with
how television shows can communicate the message about Aids in a
creative manner.
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