Jacob+L.1-

INTRODUCTION  While looking at the prevalence of AIDS in America, I saw that the ratio of AIDS prevalence between races was disproportionate. More African American men had AIDS than any other race. In a recent analyses, taken between the the years of 1999 and 2006, revealed that about 2% of African American men, between the ages of 18-49, have AIDS. This is compared to the AIDS rate of caucasian men, between the ages of 18-49, which is about .23%. Also in the study, it is said that these rates are down from it’s peak, which took place in the 80‘s. This report will be examining possible theories about the AIDS rate peakin the 80’s, in relation to music and culture of this time.

INTRODUCTION TO AIDS " HIV infection is a condition caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The condition gradually destroys the immune system, which makes it harder for the body to fight infections. People who become infected with HIV may have no symptoms for up to 10 years, but they can still pass the infection to others. After being exposed to the virus, it usually takes about 3 months for the HIV ELISA blood test to change from HIV negative to HIV positive." ([])

AIDS Graph: Figure 2



HYPOTHESIS AND RESULTS  I examined the number one song of each year through the 1980’s to see if African American music artists were producing songs that promoted sexual behavior.

 Number one hit songs, by year, from the 80’s: Figure 2

 1980: AC/DC - You shook me all night long  1981: Journey - Don't stop belevin'  1982: Apache - Sugarhill Gang  1983: It's Raining Men - The Weather Girls  1984: Thriller - Michael Jackson  1985: We Built This City - Jefferson Starship  1986: That's What Friends Are For - Dionne & Friends  1987: Living On A Prayer - Bon Jovi  1988: Pour Some Sugar On Me - Def Leppard <span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> 1989: Love Shack - B-52's

<span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;"> My hypothesis was that AIDS infections peaked in the 1980’s because of the lyrics in popular music, produced by African American artists, were largely rooted around sex and promiscuous behavior. Out of this list of ten songs, four were produced by African American artists. Only one of the four top songs that was made by an African American artist contained sexual themes. I disproved my hypothesis that the lyrics in hit songs of the 1980’s, produced by African American artists, was influencing the AIDS rate among the African American population.


 * <span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; letter-spacing: 0px; margin: 0px;">SONGS **


 * Wonderwall, By Oasis **
 * May 1995 **
 * Rock **

I interviewed my Mom about her favorite song. Wonderwall, by Oasis is her favorite song because it brings back memories of our family when I was a baby. This song came out the year I was born, so it means a lot to her

media type="file" key="Wonderwall.mp3" width="264" height="22"


 * Shout, Shout, let it all out, by Tears for Fears**
 * June 4, 1985**
 * Rock**

I interviewed my Dad about his favorite song of the 80's. Shout, by Tears for Fears is his favorite song because it brings back good memories of summer, 1985.

. media type="file" key="Shout Shout Let it all Out Original - Tears For Fears.mp3" width="263" height="21"


 * Take it Easy, The Eagles**
 * 1972**
 * Rock**

Interviewed my Aunt about her favorite song of the 70's. Take it Easy is her favorite song because it reminds her of her child hood, and being with her family.

media type="file" key="Jackson Browne,Linda Ronstadt with Eagles - Take It Easy.mp3" width="263" height="21"