Ethan Shohet Zabin

How has Magic effectively used his status to influence young people?

Magic Johnson gained influence among young people by becoming a star athlete and good role model, and then a successful businessman. He has showed success at many levels and in different places, and that is why kids look up to him and respect what he says. He has used this reputation as a star athlete and entrepreneur to influence young people to be knowledgable about HIV/AIDS and to practice safe sex. He has spread the idea that HIV is a disease that can occur in heterosexual people, as well as homosexual people. By becoming the face of the HIV/AIDS disease, he has shown young people that it is a disease that can develop in anyone. This has increased awareness and knowledge of the disease, and a decrease in the fear and stigma related to HIV.