*pgs 24-25, when they first discover the tents in the forest and spot Richard Holstrum's yearbook photo. They trash his camp and justify it by saying he deserved to live out there.
Many elements of the story line closely parallel the real-life version of such an apocalyptic event-- the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 80's; at least in the way it was perceived at the time. It conveys a lot of the same themes present during that period, such as stigmatization of the afflicted, the resulting ostracization, social confusion.
It was interesting to see the different ways each person was affected-- those who were not so obviously physically deformed fared much better in society than those with grotesque facial defects. The sexually transmitted nature of the 'Bug', and the idea that it affects only a certain demographic really reinforces stereotyping and stigma surrounding it, and that in turn deters people from considering the situation from a human perspective, with empathy. They look at people they used to know-- classmates, friends, and see only the disease. This leads to a lack of understanding, and a lack of desire to understand. This is divisive and only serves to widen the gap between the 'normal' population and those who would most benefit from their support.
I think your analysis and connection between the story line and an apocalyptic event such as the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 80s was spot on and was a great way of relating a fictional story to something that is very relevant today.
ReplyDeleteI was totally thinking the same thing when I was reading this! The ostracizing of people with the "bug" and the stigma that went along with their grotesque facial defects is absolutely comparable to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Once these people get the disease they are defined by it, and other people play into that dynamic as well. Your analysis is really accurate and I love the power of your concluding statement.
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