er, 1988 p. 17-18). But while the gay community was becoming more aware of the dire situation, the rest of the world remained oblivious. The news media, for example, presented information concerning the epidemic in dismal and unclear tones. These ambiguous and menacing reports undoubtedly fueled the initial hysteria and panic surrounding the illness. K. Doka, author of AIDS, Fear & Society: Challenging the Dreaded Disease, further confirmed that the news media frequently used ominous and controversial language in verifying the illness. News networks such as CBS and ABC, labeled AIDS as a "deadly, mysterious disease," that was "new" and "threatening" to the American people (Doka, 1997, p. 64-65). By the time that AIDS had become more widespread and far-reaching across America and the world, most of the country acquired much misunderstanding and confusion with regard to the disease. As a result, most victims of the disease experienced appalling condemnation and blame for the crisis.
             ...