It's My Life - Brian Tilley

As Zackie first hit the screen and was presented to the audience as an ‘activist’, the first two thoughts that popped in my head were what is the definition of an ‘’activist’ and what sets apart an everyday activist from a great one?  Define by Merriam-Webster, an activist is a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct vigorous action especially in support of or opposition to one side of a controversial issue. In this sense an activist does not have to be only one person, but could also be a policy that is backed up by a large number of people.  I then thought of a few factors that I believe make a great activist. I believe the key is not to be against something, but to be for something. Don't get bogged down in the perceived negativity of global issues. Have a clear vision, an idea for a better, more peaceful world. Instead of attacking what you don't like, go out and encourage support for something in place of it. Lead the way for a better way.

                Now that I have defined what an ‘activist’ is and how I believe these courageous people to be affective, lets now look at Zackie. He is an HIV positive activist that refuses to take medicine until everyone else with lesser finances is able to reach treatment. In a sense he is killing himself for a greater cause and that makes him a power activist in its self. Zackie constantly is leading the way from providing positive motivation to his support group. Always looking ahead and doing his research, Zackie is confident in finding a solution for HIV treatment and his relentless passion is what drives him forward. Whenever his is given a negative response from either his doctor, court, or fellow friends, Zackie lets it go in one ear and out the other, continuing his mission and proving everyone wrong. I believe Zackie is a great activist and accomplished his goal.

                One comment that I found interesting throughout this film was that it was illegal for Doctors to help HIV patients even if they had the treatment available and Zackie told the camera that after his discussion the doctors…”couldn’t give him a human answer.” What an interesting way of putting it! This is a note that made me reflect on how we receive treatment in the U.S. Many times doctors simply treat you like a specimen – they exam you, test your systems, prescribe medications, and do not expect any sort of rebuttal or questioning; doctor prescribes – patient listens. To see this mentality cross over into another culture and especially with a life threatening disease amazes me that laws have legally dehumanized doctors and made them into the bad guys, when in reality the ones writing the papers should be to blame.