TEXT 1. Stigma Is the Common DenominatorUpdated. December 9, 2013, The New York Times.
As I write in my book “Love Is the Cure,” AIDS has evolved not only to take advantage of our body’s
weaknesses, but also to take advantage of our social weaknesses. Lack of human compassion — a lack of
love — is as responsible as the virus itself for thousands of deaths in the United States and millions
around the world. That’s why I often say that AIDS might as well be an acronym for “Appalling
Indifference to the Disenfranchised in Society.”Compassion led to success against mother-to-child
transmission. Gay men, sex workers, prisoners, the homeless and drug users deserve the same
[Link] that you’re addicted to heroin. (As someone who was once addicted to drugs, this is not
much of a stretch for me.) You don’t have the money for clean needles. Access to clean needles through
a needle exchange program would protect you from becoming infected with H.I.V. But too many
politicians prefer their “tough on crime” stance to supporting proven public health interventions that
would save lives. Congress has prohibited the federal government from funding needle exchange
programs.
Imagine that you are a gay teenager in eastern Ukraine. You have to keep your sexuality a secret for fear
of getting kicked out of your home or being attacked in public. Pervasive homophobia limits your access
to health information, and you dare not ask for an H.I.V. test at your local [Link] you are one of
the two million Americans who are incarcerated. You are H.I.V.-positive — as are about 14 percent of
people who enter or exit the U.S. correctional system each year. Who will advocate on your behalf to
make sure you get the care you need while you’re in prison and after you’re released? Only in the next
year — and only by court order — will the state of Alabama stop its practice of segregating H.I.V.-positive
prisoners and forcing them to wear white [Link] you are a young woman in South Africa,
and you have been raped. This is not an unlikely scenario; a woman in South Africa is raped
approximately every 26 seconds. Rape and H.I.V. are so intertwined in South Africa that when a woman is
raped by a man between the ages of 25 and 45, there is a one-in-four chance that the rapist is H.I.V.-
positive. Stigma and shame are pervasive, leaving many women with few options. Where do you go for
support? How do you get treatment?
Written Commentary:
This powerful and emotionally charged text, adapted from Elton John’s book “Love Is the Cure,”
addresses the deeply rooted stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS and its devastating consequences. The author
asserts that beyond the medical aspects of the virus, social neglect and a lack of compassion are just as
deadly. The central argument is that stigma, discrimination, and societal indifference are major obstacles
in the fight against AIDS.
Using vivid and empathetic examples — a heroin addict in need of clean needles, a gay teenager in
Eastern Europe, a prisoner in the United States, a raped woman in South Africa — the text compels
readers to confront uncomfortable truths. These examples are deliberately chosen to evoke empathy
and highlight how marginalized groups are systematically denied access to basic healthcare and dignity
due to prevailing social attitudes.
The author critiques the hypocrisy and political inertia that prevents effective public health
interventions, such as needle exchange programs. He also denounces homophobia, institutional neglect
in prisons, and the intersection of gender-based violence and HIV in South Africa. Through these
narratives, he illustrates that stigma — whether based on sexuality, drug use, imprisonment, or gender
— is the common thread that worsens the AIDS crisis.
Stylistically, the use of the second person ("Imagine you are...") brings the reader into the lives of those
affected, creating a personal and human connection. The rhetorical device is effective in breaking down
prejudice and building understanding.
In conclusion, this text is a powerful call to action. It demands that we look beyond the virus and address
the societal failings — the indifference, prejudice, and stigma — that continue to fuel the global AIDS
epidemic. The author’s message is clear: compassion and inclusivity are not optional; they are essential
to saving lives.
TEXT 2. In India, Dynamism Wrestles With Dysfunction
By Jim Yardley, The New York Times, June 8, 2011.
GURGAON, India — In this city that barely existed two decades ago, there are 26 shopping
malls, seven golf courses and luxury shops selling Chanel and Louis Vuitton. Mercedes-Benzes and
BMWs shimmer in automobile showrooms. Apartment towers are sprouting like concrete weeds, and a
futuristic commercial hub called Cyber City houses many of the world’s most respected corporations.
Gurgaon is part of the “new” India, but its vibrant private sector struggles with a lack of public
services. Gurgaon, located about 15 miles south of the national capital, New Delhi, would seem to have
everything, except consider what it does not have: a functioning citywide sewer or drainage system;
reliable electricity or water; and public sidewalks, adequate parking, decent roads or any citywide
system of public transportation. Garbage is still regularly tossed in empty lots by the side of the road.
With its shiny buildings and galloping economy, Gurgaon is often portrayed as a symbol of a
rising “new” India, yet it also represents a riddle at the heart of India’s rapid growth: how can a new city
become an international economic engine without basic public services? How can a huge country flirt
with double-digit growth despite widespread corruption, inefficiency and governmental dysfunction?
In Gurgaon and elsewhere in India, the answer is that growth usually occurs despite the
government rather than because of it. India and China are often considered to be the world’s rising
economic powers, yet if China’s growth has been led by the state, India’s growth is often impeded by the
state. China’s authoritarian leaders have built world-class infrastructure; India’s infrastructure and
bureaucracy are both considered woefully outdated.
Yet over the past decade, India has emerged as one of the world’s most important new engines of
growth, despite itself. Even now, with its economy feeling the pressure from global inflation and higher
interest rates, some economists predict that India will become the world’s third largest economy within
15 years and could much sooner supplant China as the fastest-growing major economy.
Moreover, India’s unorthodox path illustrates, on a grand scale, the struggles of many smaller
developing countries to deliver growth despite weak, ineffective governments. Many have tried to
emulate China’s top-down economic model, but most are stuck with the Indian reality. In India, Gurgaon
epitomizes that reality, managing to be both a complete mess and an economic powerhouse, a
microcosm of Indian dynamism and dysfunction.
Commentary on "In India, Dynamism Wrestles With Dysfunction" by Jim Yardley
Jim Yardley’s article “In India, Dynamism Wrestles With Dysfunction” presents a sharp contrast between
the vibrant private development of Gurgaon and the chronic failure of public infrastructure in India.
Using Gurgaon—a city that has grown rapidly into a commercial hub with skyscrapers, luxury stores, and
multinational corporations—as a case study, Yardley paints a vivid picture of a paradox at the heart of
India’s economic rise: growth coexisting with dysfunction.
Yardley juxtaposes the city’s modern, cosmopolitan image with its lack of basic public services: no proper
sewage system, unreliable electricity and water, and absence of public transport. This contrast is not
merely a local issue but a symbol of India’s broader developmental paradox. While China’s state-led
growth model has produced robust infrastructure, India’s growth has largely been driven by the private
sector, despite government inefficiencies and corruption.
The article goes further to question how sustainable such a model can be. Can a nation rise economically
if its state fails to provide foundational services? The discussion resonates globally, especially with other
developing nations struggling with weak governance. Yardley suggests that India’s “unorthodox path” of
economic development might become the norm rather than the exception for many.
In sum, this article effectively highlights the tension between progress and governance in modern India.
It acknowledges the country's potential while urging attention to the structural deficiencies that
threaten to undermine long-term development. Gurgaon, with its “concrete weeds” and elite shopping
malls beside garbage-filled lots, becomes a metaphor for India’s simultaneous dynamism and
dysfunction.
Written Commentary on "A Resisted Pill to Prevent H.I.V."
The New York Times article, “A Resisted Pill to Prevent H.I.V.” by Chester Higgins Jr., sheds light on the
mixed reception of Truvada as a preventive measure against H.I.V., despite its proven medical efficacy.
Truvada, traditionally used to treat H.I.V.-positive individuals, was approved for use as pre-exposure
prophylaxis (PrEP) — a significant breakthrough in the fight against AIDS. However, the uptake among
gay men, particularly those at higher risk of infection, has been unexpectedly slow and met with
hesitation or outright rejection in some communities.
The article begins with personal narratives — Damon Jacobs and Michael Rubio — whose experiences
reflect both the potential of PrEP and the emotional complexity surrounding its use. Jacobs’s fear
following inconsistent condom use, and Rubio’s shock at seeing multiple friends contract H.I.V.,
underscore the real-life urgency of effective prevention tools. These testimonials humanize the medical
discussion and frame Truvada not merely as a pill, but as a symbol of both hope and controversy.
One of the key tensions the article explores is cultural and psychological resistance. For decades, public
health messaging has centered on condoms as the gold standard for prevention. The sudden shift —
proposing a daily pill that offers protection even without condom use — challenges deeply ingrained
behaviors and community norms. Dr. Lisa Capaldini’s observation of a “fascinating disconnect” between
scientific enthusiasm and patient interest highlights this gap.
Furthermore, there’s an underlying issue of stigma. Some view PrEP users as promiscuous or
irresponsible, further complicating the decision to take the drug. The article touches on how this
perception may discourage men from seeking a potentially life-saving intervention. This social judgment
contributes to the pill’s underuse, despite its scientific endorsement and the alarming rate of new
infections, especially among African-American and minority gay men.
The article also stresses the importance of holistic implementation: the F.D.A. recommends counseling
and regular testing alongside Truvada, signaling that the pill is not a standalone solution but part of a
broader prevention strategy. This nuance is crucial; while daily use can provide near-complete
protection, it must be accompanied by medical oversight and responsible sexual behavior.
In conclusion, Higgins’s article highlights a paradox: the medical community has delivered a
revolutionary tool, but societal attitudes, historical public health messaging, and stigma continue to
impede its acceptance. The story of Truvada reflects the broader challenges in public health where
science alone is not enough — acceptance, education, and cultural shifts are equally vital.
Text 4. How Will AIDS Be Eradicated? Research Shows the Path to Zero
November 28, 2013, The New York Times.
In the U.S. and around the world, there are obstacles to prevention and treatment. How will they
be overcome?
H.I.V. is a deadly pathogen, evolved to be effectively transmitted from person to person and,
above all else, to survive through the entire lifespan of the human host. Failure of the host’s immune
system to control viral replication has led to a vast pandemic, because when people with H.I.V. are
untreated they remain contagious for decades.
Eradication of H.I.V. means reducing infections in a population to zero. To do this will require a
remarkably robust prevention strategy, a very effective vaccine or both – and so far, neither is available.
However, the very fact that we are discussing eradication of H.I.V. underscores the remarkable progress
that has been made.
Other sexually transmitted infections taught us how hard it is to 'treat our way out of an
epidemic.' Focus on prevention and a vaccine.
Treating infected people with safe and effective antiretroviral agents, and thereby stopping viral
replication, has led to greatly reduced transmission of H.I.V. from a mother to her child, or from an
infected person to his or her sexual partner. Early and consistent treatment of H.I.V. leads to good health
and a normal lifespan. And in some places where antiretroviral treatment has been made widely
available, H.I.V. incidence has fallen sharply, reflecting the prevention benefits of antiretroviral agents.
But eradicating H.I.V. is going to require more than antiretrovirals. Our long experience with other
sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis shows us how hard it is to “treat our way out of an
epidemic,” even with great drugs and considerable resources.
So we are now looking to combination prevention efforts and an increasingly realistic hope for a
vaccine. Scientists have made tremendous advances in H.I.V. vaccine research. We see great potential in
antibodies that capture H.I.V. before infection can occur, and in learning how to evoke the formation of
these “broad neutralizing antibodies.” Going forward, the most important ingredients for H.I.V.
eradication are going to be redoubled commitment by scientists and funders, and, above all, tenacity.
Written Commentary on “How Will AIDS Be Eradicated? Research Shows the Path to Zero”
The article from The New York Times dated November 28, 2013, provides a compelling overview of the
challenges and hopes in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. It outlines both the scientific realities of the
virus and the progress made in controlling it, while also casting a hopeful eye on future solutions.
One of the key strengths of the article lies in its balanced approach—it acknowledges the formidable
nature of HIV as a pathogen, yet highlights how far science and public health efforts have come. The fact
that HIV can live undetected in a human host for decades underlines the need for both early detection
and sustained treatment. The writer emphasizes that while antiretroviral therapy (ART) has drastically
improved lives and reduced transmission, especially from mother to child, it is not a silver bullet for
eradication.
The article wisely points to history for guidance, reminding readers that no epidemic, particularly of
sexually transmitted infections, has ever been solved by treatment alone. This brings depth to the
discussion, reinforcing that behavioral, social, and medical strategies must go hand in hand. The mention
of tuberculosis serves as a sobering reminder that even with effective medication, diseases can persist
without strong prevention efforts.
The most inspiring part of the text is the optimism around vaccines and broad neutralizing antibodies.
These scientific advancements, though still developing, offer a glimpse into a future where prevention
might be significantly more effective. However, the author realistically frames this as part of a long-term
battle that will require persistent commitment, funding, and global cooperation.
In conclusion, the article is not only informative but also motivational. It provides a realistic assessment
of what has been achieved and what remains to be done. By highlighting the importance of combination
prevention and the ongoing search for a vaccine, it reinforces a critical message: the fight against
HIV/AIDS is far from over, but it is a fight we are increasingly equipped to win—if we remain dedicated.
TEXT 5. We Can End AIDS Even Without a Cure
November 28, 2013, The New York Times.
There are three significant barriers to ending the AIDS epidemic in the United States. Chief
among them is a lack of access to health care. Approximately 48 million Americans lack health
insurance, including many of the 1.1 million Americans living with H.I.V. People with H.I.V. have been
shut out of health care because of a number of discriminatory practices, but the Affordable Care Act
provides some hope.
The second barrier is that many people living with H.I.V. are not aware of the most modern
treatments – the simplest and most effective approaches.
The third barrier to ending the AIDS epidemic in America is an ineffective response to
addressing the epidemic in the communities most impacted by H.I.V.: black people, Latino people,
young people, poor people, men who have sex with men, and people living in the South. If we are
serious about ending the AIDS epidemic, we have to attend to the needs of the least of us. It will be
difficult to end the AIDS epidemic, as long as we allow racism, homophobia, AIDS stigma and the
devastating impact of poverty.
There’s no doubt that we can end the AIDS epidemic in the U.S. The question is whether we will.
It would mean ensuring that people have access to health care, making sure that patients understand
their
treatment options, focusing our energies in the communities most affected, and attacking stigma and
discrimination. Now here’s the real question. Do we have the moral and political will to do what needs to
be done.
Written Commentary on “We Can End AIDS Even Without a Cure” (The New York Times, November 28,
2013)
This op-ed from The New York Times presents a compelling argument that the end of the AIDS epidemic
in the United States is possible—even without a medical cure—if certain structural and societal barriers
are addressed. The author identifies three major obstacles: lack of access to healthcare, lack of
awareness about modern treatments, and a failure to respond effectively in the most affected
communities.
The central thesis is that medical science alone is not enough; rather, social justice, political will, and
moral responsibility are key to ending AIDS. The piece emphasizes the importance of the Affordable Care
Act as a step toward increasing healthcare access for the 1.1 million Americans living with HIV. It
critiques discriminatory practices and structural inequalities that have historically excluded vulnerable
groups from care.
The article is particularly powerful in its acknowledgment of how HIV/AIDS disproportionately affects
marginalized communities—Black, Latino, young, poor individuals, men who have sex with men, and
those in the Southern U.S. The argument extends beyond the medical realm, urging readers to confront
racism, homophobia, stigma, and poverty as root causes that perpetuate the epidemic.
Stylistically, the author uses direct language and rhetorical questions to engage the reader emotionally
and ethically. The final question—"Do we have the moral and political will to do what needs to be
done?"—serves as a call to action, shifting the focus from what is possible to what is necessary.
In summary, the text powerfully frames the AIDS epidemic as a solvable crisis that requires more than
medical solutions; it demands equity, awareness, and humanity. The message is both hopeful and
challenging: the end of AIDS is within reach, but only if society chooses to act with courage and
compassion.
Here’s a written commentary on the text “Asia’s Double Nightmare: Brexit and President Trump” by
Anthony Fensom:
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Commentary:
Anthony Fensom’s article sheds light on the economic and geopolitical anxieties gripping Asia in the face
of two major Western political shocks: Brexit and the potential election of Donald Trump as U.S.
president. The piece, published in The Diplomat in August 2016, offers an analytical perspective,
supported by data and expert opinions, on how these developments could disrupt Asian economies.
Fensom effectively outlines the dual threats posed by Brexit and Trump. The term “double nightmare” in
the title captures the severity and simultaneity of the challenges. Brexit, as noted, has already unsettled
financial markets and weakened trade prospects, especially for countries closely linked to the UK. Trump,
on the other hand, is presented as a wildcard whose proposed policies—such as protectionism,
immigration restrictions, and a transactional approach to alliances—could destabilize Asia’s economic
and diplomatic balances.
The article is structured around expert reports, notably from Nomura Holdings and the Japan Center for
Economic Research (JCER). This reliance on reputable sources enhances the article’s credibility. Rob
Subbaraman’s insights provide a detailed country-by-country forecast, showing the uneven vulnerability
across Asia: South Korea and the Philippines appear most at risk, while India could see both threats and
opportunities.
Fensom also highlights Trump’s rhetoric and unpredictability, particularly in relation to longstanding
alliances with Japan and South Korea. His skepticism of free trade and military commitments raises
questions about the reliability of U.S. foreign policy, which is especially concerning for Asian nations
relying on U.S. economic and security support.
The article concludes with data on GDP growth projections, reinforcing the argument that Asia’s
economic trajectory is already fragile and could be further strained. The metaphor of Asia facing a
"headache" in the “Year of the Monkey” adds a cultural touch, subtly linking the regional mood to
broader uncertainties.
Overall, the commentary presents a clear, informed, and timely analysis of the global ripple effects of
Western political decisions. It not only informs but also cautions Asian policymakers to prepare for
volatility on multiple fronts
Written Commentary on Text 7: "Couple accused of 'jigsaw murder' preyed on victim for money, court
hears"
This chilling article, reported by Adam Fresco for The Times, details a gruesome case of murder driven by
greed and manipulation. It tells the story of Stephen Marshall and Sarah Bush, a couple accused of killing
and dismembering Jeffrey Howe, a man who had offered them shelter out of kindness. The act was
allegedly premeditated, with the motive centered on financial gain and the assumption of Howe's
identity.
The narrative is structured around the court proceedings, with statements from the prosecution painting
a picture of cold calculation. Mr. Marshall is portrayed as violent and controlling, while Ms. Bush, though
younger and possibly more passive, is still implicated as an active participant. The shocking details of the
body’s dismemberment – including the surgical precision with which parts were removed – add a
macabre layer to the case and suggest a level of skill not commonly found among ordinary citizens.
Fresco’s report uses formal, objective language typical of legal reporting, yet the horror of the crime
bleeds through. The description of the physical evidence (blood, dismemberment, and the disposal of
body parts across counties) emphasizes the brutality and inhumanity of the act. The emotional impact is
further intensified by the betrayal of Mr. Howe’s trust – his generosity was repaid with murder.
The article highlights themes such as exploitation, the abuse of vulnerability, and the dark consequences
of unchecked greed. It also raises moral and psychological questions about complicity and the capacity
for violence in seemingly ordinary individuals. The legal process, as depicted, serves as society’s attempt
to restore order and deliver justice in the face of heinous wrongdoing.
Overall, this is a disturbing yet compelling report that explores the depths of human cruelty while also
reflecting the mechanisms of the criminal justice system in addressing such acts.
Here's a written commentary on the text "Marital equality law sparks controversy":
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The article by Alexis Adele, published by IRIN in Abidjan on December 4, 2012, discusses the controversy
surrounding a new law adopted in Côte d'Ivoire that establishes equality between legally married
spouses. The law, passed on November 21, 2012, marks a significant shift from the previous legal
framework that designated the husband as the sole head of the family. It proposes a model where both
spouses jointly manage family affairs in the interest of the household and children.
The reform has triggered a polarizing debate, particularly among religious leaders and traditionalists.
Imam Mamadou Dosso argues that the law contradicts Islamic teachings, which recognize the man as
the family head. He also criticizes the lack of public consultation before the law's adoption, implying that
it does not reflect the societal will. Similarly, Reverend Ediémou Blin Jacob voices concern about religious
incompatibility, warning that laws that conflict with divine instruction may fail to unite the population.
Opposition is not limited to religious circles. MP Yasmine Ouégnin underscores the symbolic value of
hierarchy in Ivorian society, arguing that removing the "head of the family" concept may not promote
women’s rights as intended. This view contrasts with that of former minister and women’s rights
advocate Constance Yai, who defends the law as a long-overdue formalization of gender equality in
marriage. According to her, the uproar stems from persistent misogyny rather than substantive
disagreement with the law itself.
Interestingly, women themselves are divided on the issue. Henriette Kobenan, a mother of four, believes
the law disrupts family harmony by ignoring cultural norms and roles. She maintains a traditional view of
marriage, seeing her husband as the rightful leader. On the other hand, Sandrine Etilé, a
businesswoman, fully supports the legislation and criticizes women who reject their own empowerment.
She sees the law as a necessary step to correct gender-based injustices and redefine decision-making
within the household.
The article presents a nuanced portrait of Ivorian society at a crossroads between modern legislative
reform and deeply rooted cultural and religious traditions. The tension it reveals highlights the
complexities of implementing gender equality in a context where traditional values remain strong.
Overall, the law’s intent to promote equality is clear, but the varied responses suggest that legal change
alone may not be enough to transform societal attitudes.
Here’s a written commentary on the text “Mexico Arrests Ex-Police Chief Linked to Student
Disappearances”:
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This article, reported by Lizbeth Diaz and published by The New York Times on October 21, 2016, sheds
light on a deeply troubling case of state violence and impunity in Mexico. It details the arrest of Felipe
Flores, the former police chief of Iguala, in connection to the 2014 disappearance of 43 students from a
rural teachers' college. His capture, after two years on the run, marks a significant moment in the long-
stalled investigation.
The disappearance of the students has become a symbol of widespread corruption and collusion
between Mexican authorities and organized crime. The article briefly outlines the official government
account: the students were allegedly kidnapped by corrupt police, delivered to a drug cartel, and brutally
murdered. However, it also highlights the skepticism surrounding this version, particularly by
international experts who discredited the findings and exposed flaws in the investigation. This criticism
significantly damaged the credibility of President Enrique Peña Nieto’s administration.
The tone of the article is factual and restrained, yet the content conveys the gravity of the incident and
the ongoing pain of the victims' families. By reporting the arrest of Flores and recalling the controversy
surrounding the case, Diaz underscores the enduring struggle for truth and justice in Mexico’s legal
system. The piece ultimately raises critical questions about accountability, transparency, and human
rights in the country.
