By Harminder Singh
Arizona Daily Wildcat
December 8, 1997

A Day Without Art: a day with a purpose

Editor:

It is very sad that despite the fair amount of coverage that "A Day Without Art" received from the Wildcat about its intent, it's purpose was still misunderstood. The purpose behind observing "A Day Without Art" is to solicit people's attention, so that they take a moment to think about the disease and possibly make positive changes in their lives and in the lives of others to stop its incessant growth. The "Arts" form an integral part of our day-to-day existance, and by excluding it from our lives for a one day, we mourn the lives of countless people who have lost their lives because of this disease. It should be kept in mind that not all people who have acquired this disease have done so knowingly through having unprotected sex. There are thousands of people who acquire it every year through blood transfusions, especially in underdeveloped countries, where they do not have the necessary means to check every vial of blood for the HIV virus.

Moreover, they are still countless people around the world who are still unaware of this disease and its consequences, and hence, are becoming unfortunate victims to this disease. Living in a wealthy nation where information and resources abound, you may find this hard to beleive, but nonetheless, it is the truth. It is therefore our responsibility to do our share in educating people, who are not so fortunate as us, about this desease and probably provide them with the necessary means/resources to curb its growth. "A Day Without Art" is one of the several events, along with educational workshops and seminars about AIDS, that are organized in observance of "International World AIDS Day" on December 1. The absence of art, the presence of which we all take for granted, makes everyone stop short and take notice. It serves to remind them that on that day, they can easily get themselves informed of the present AIDS crisis and choose to get involved in its resolution by participating in the various AIDS related activities (seminars, workshops etc) that are organised specifically on that particular day in and around town.

Just because of the fact that there are other sources of disease and misery in the world does not mean that we should ignore AIDS, which is still one of the top five causes of death on earth. I hope this clarifies a lot of the misconceptions that people had regarding "A Day Without Art, and brings to the forefront its true purpose.

Harminder Singh
"Eye on Diversity" committee, University Activities Board