"Let's say that humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague and that the leader of the free world refused to talk about it." I couldn't imagine such a thing.
"Let's say that humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague, and the leader of the free world refused to talk about it..." Me in 2020: screaming internally
If I had a nickel for every time humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague and the leader of the free world refuaed to talk about it, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice
This is incredible! I'm a college professor who teaches a course on HIV/AIDS and Media Representations, and I'm going to include this in my syllabus when I show this particular episode next time!
As a 51 year old living with undetectable HIV, since 1996, who has lost many friends, your words about judgmentalists hurt, because they are true. Thank you for just being blunt about the reality of hateful people. We need people like you to keep our memories alive, as we start to fade from almost regular old age.
I Don’t Have Any Friends, That Are Alive Today, From That Time. I Had A Lot Of Friends, For Years, And They’re All Gone Now. I’m 64 Now, And Just Lost My X, December 17Th. He Was The Last To Go In My World. I Say, Ya Can’t Keep A Good Queen Down…🌷💛🌷💛🌷
@@geraldsmith7240 I don't know if it applies, or you would feel it helpful, but I joined a couple gay widowers groups on FB when my first husband died, and that really helped. My current husband survived his ex's suicide after he had over come cancer, because my husband didn't want to get back together. The sick bastard sent him a bouquet of flowers for Valentine's Day, before swallowing a handful of pills. We all have lives and stories to tell. Tell yours, if you feel it. Be well.
Thank you for the reminder of what a service Designing Women did or us. I didn’t know the backstory about Linda Bloodwort Thompson’s mother dying of AIDS; so sad.
+M.E. To be fair though, they are happening much less. Gen X parents at least more often have a clue compared to Boomers (obviously speaking in very general terms), and more Gen Y parents are at least sex-ed neutral.
Malcolm Swoboda Well I agree there is more awareness of the importance of sexual health. However, it is important to note the quality of sexual health conversations/education. There are whole generation y's out there who were not taught quality sex health thanks to over a decade of abstinence only education. A few parents fill the gaps but with growing STD rates I'd surmise this education has created significant damage.
I have never understood parents who think that their kids aren’t going to experiment with sex, alcohol, etc. No matter how they are raised, they are more influenced by their peers at that age. It’s better to teach them to be safe with such behaviors. I was raised as a Fundamental Baptist yet still made out with guys, drank at parties and occasionally smoked marijuana. My mom would have killed me, but it’s what my friends were doing. I remembered that when it came to giving my own daughter advice and told her about condoms, never riding with a drunk or stoned driver and that she could call me no matter what and I would come get her. I used to say “if you’re gonna be stupid, be smart about it”. She’s an adult now and tells me that really was helpful advice. She has made great decisions and is now a successful professional.
My mother gave me a PAINFULLY detailed sex talk and it did NOT have me skipping off to the pharmacy to pick condoms. I wasn’t ready-and learning new information didn’t change that. Meanwhile, a classmate of mine found herself *ahem* with child because she thought you could prevent pregnancy by peeing after intercourse! Watching your videos is the smartest decision I’ve made all day! Thank you!
You should do a video about the Golden Girls episode titled "72 Hours". I felt exactly like Rose did the first time I was tested because my name was given as a contact by a guy I had sex with who either didn't know at the time or just didn't tell me he was HIV+. back then I did have to wait 3 days. it was a horrible experience. and it taught me some valuable lessons.
It was a terribly tense, frightening, anxious time for me. I was lucky to have a co-worker to confide in and to go to the doctor with me. she was the only one I confided in. thanks for responding to me Matt. appreciate it.
@@hairychest7865 I had my first HIV test in '91 (El Paso, TX). Rose thought it was painful waiting 3 whole days? Try 2 WEEKS! When they told me that, for some "unknown reason", I went home with the worst headache.
The funny part is, many of those speeches are ones Dixie Carter didn't especially want to give, Being more conservative than the woman who wrote her. She made a deal with Linda Bloodworth-Thomason that for every such speech that Julia gave, Dixie Carter got to sing in an episode.
But I am sure this was not one of them. Dixie, for her conservative leanings, was well-known for her support of the gay community, acknowledged & appreciated the show's gay following.
Dear Matt... I can’t thank you enough for doing this episode. I remember it like it was yesterday when I first saw it as a freshman cadet at the US Naval Academy. I watched it in secret, of course, with the guy who would become my boyfriend and the love of my life. We watched it with nervous laughter because we too were only just beginning to come out to ourselves. I thank God we had each other for love and support. Even though my partner died many years ago, you brought back sweet and scary times that are such a monumentally important part of my past. Thank you, Matt. God Bless you 😘
I didn't know that Designing Women was a sitcom, much less a sitcom that was brave enough to tackle the topic of AIDS. Good for them for being forthright and unafraid to stand up what was right. I don't think I've seen more than one show address the AIDS crisis; the only one that comes to mind is The Golden Girls, when Rose is afraid she contracted it after finding out a blood transfusion she once had was potentially infected. Definitely going to give this episode a viewing some time this weekend. It's utterly shocking how relevant it still is...
I remember this episode when it first aired -- it was 1987. I was 12 years old and seriously remember the scare tactics we were being educated with regarding anything to do with AIDS. Honestly, this episode was a true education that we needed about AIDS -- not the scare tactics but the truth. I remember being taught either abstinence or death with regards to sex. But because my mom was (still is) a Jehovah's Witness, I was also taught that AIDS was just another show of why God was against blood transfusions. TV saved me from a lot of brain washing. It's odd that shows based in fiction taught so much truth. And it's weird to say that TV educated me instead of brainwashed me. *Shrugs* Murphy Brown was another show that I also learned a lot from, regarding current affairs of the time.
I remember when the “God’s punishment” argument used to be mainstream. ☹️ It’s nice that our society has evolved enough for that view to now be seen as cartoonishly evil. My dad first explained what gay meant to me when he was watching the news and there was a story about a mysterious “gay cancer”. Now UA-cam recommended this video to me because I recently searched for that news clip. I think my parents watched Designing Women but I didn’t remember that episode. So thanks for mentioning it.
One of my favorite episodes! The only one I enjoyed more was when Julia gave her "..night the lights went out in Georgie" speech... which, admittedly, wasn't quite as socially significant. :)
sparkers70 sparkers70 Julia gave a scathing speech in just about every episode...the self-confessed loud-mouthed liberal....& I LOVED EVERY WORD THAT EVER CAME OUT OF HER MOUTH!!! ❤️
I remember watching this episode the night it originally aired. It was right after I came out and I was terrified about the pandemic. It did help educate but it was scary to an 18 y/o who only had sex once and didn't have sex again until 1991! It wasn't this show that did it I was extremely picky!
In the mid 80's Showtime aired a sitcom for 3 or 4 seasons titled "Brothers" which I believe was the first American sitcom in which two of the major characters were openly gay. It was full of gay stereotypes and jokes but it was groundbreaking in so many ways, including the first television series to address the AIDS epidemic amid the panic typical of the period. I would love to see someone do a bit of coverage about it, and give it the credit it deserves. REPLY
This was a defining moment in my childhood. It didn't take away the fear of death and loneliness that I felt was looming ahead of me (because of all the other media dealing with AIDs and gay people), but it helped a little. I just thought, "if I can meet some crazy gals like the Designing Women once I'm grown and out, maybe I can be happy..." Luckily, I did.
The first American show with a main character (not a one off episode) with AIDS was "General Hospital!" This might not fit into the larger discussion about queerness in media (both the main characters in this case were straight) but I do think it's an interesting bit of pop culture history and you might like to check it out. (For more information, the characters were Stone and Robin)
When I've explained AIDS in the 1980's, my 18 year old daughter ihas been flabbergasted. She has a hard time understanding the political and social climate. She has to see this!
Designing Women was one of my favorite shows and YES, it tackled many subjects that were not being dealt with by other shows and even the media. It could be hilariously funny , dramatic and heartbreaking all in the same episode - quite a feat for any show reminded me of Norman Lear's shows 'All In The Family' & 'Maude' as well as M*A*S*H and the Golden Girls who also took on very controversial and largely ignored subjects. Thank You, Matt for reminding me what a great show this was, it is a pity that the people making entertainment today seem to have so little interest in making great content like this anymore.
“Let’s say humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague and the leader of the free world refused to talk about it...” 2020: Ouch, right in the COVID mask.
I come from a very old Puritan family, mayflower old, and When I was younger I had a cousin who was gay named Richard. He came out to his family when I was about 6/7 and there response? Send him to a conversion camp! He ended up killing himself that night, and I remember at the funeral, no one crying or showing remorse of any kind. I mean he’s dead in his early 20’s and not one person cried because “he did what he had to, so he could be back in gods grace.” At one point I got up to my cousin William, and started hitting his leg “6/7 years old” and trying to make him cry, to feel something for Richards death! But nothing, so I cried for him instead, and I still mourn him
Not gay, not homophobic, not even that young...just someone who never knew about these shows and how they bridged a gap before my time. I love these videos and thank you for informing us on what was then and sometimes sadly now xx
You knocked this one out of the park, bro! I haven't ever really taken designing women that seriously before. I believe golden girls just overshadows it a lot! Lol... Though now I feel I need to reconsider watching it. I love what you had to say about hiv and how it was and still is viewed to this day. Keep the commentaries coming man! ☺ 😊 😀 😁 Best, Marvin
Thank you for all your insicive videos. They are very important and should be required viewing for all high school age kids. I especially.loved the Designing Women.episode where the women discuss HIV/AIDS and prevention of transmission of the virus via correct condom usage. Bravo, Designing Women.
Golden Girls also tackled the AIDS issues, if I recall correctly. I watched it when I was a teenager, and it stuck with me. It had a little bit of a cop-out ending, but still had some good conversations about the epidemic.
Things really haven't changed where I grew up (St. Louis, Missouri). In public school in 2014 we were still being taught abstinence only; absolutely nothing was said about safe sex. But I guess it was all kind of moot, since me and everyone I know had already learned about safe sex from the internet (which isn't really the best place to get information, but it is sure better than nothing). Personally, I think "abstinence" it is just a cop out; by just saying "don't have sex" they are avoiding the issue entirely.
We had sex ed on the curriculum about every two years starting in 4th grade (development of babys in the womb etc) and then later of course safe sex etc, by then most people already knew cause of the media, but it was still mandatory in school to teach. But you can't compare that to the US, where they still teach abstinence in so many schools (I'm from Germany)
It truly depends on the people who are in office (no separation of church and state when it comes to this topic). I didn’t say that is fair either - you really have to “luck” upon a progressive teacher in order to have a non-biased form of the truth, so you can develop your own opinion about the subject. I have been a fan of Designing Women since its creation in the 80’s. I have truly admired how well written and acted the program is - such a breath of fresh air, even in 2018! Thank goodness for UA-cam!!
I think abstinence has a place for those who don’t want to have sex till they’re older or with the right person. I was one of those. The extreme pressure to have sex while in high school is also a problem. I’ve been with a wonderful partner for 23 years now and it was worth the wait. That said, I do understand waiting may not be for everyone and I’m glad sex education is more easily available now. I just don’t want people to make “waiting” sound like a bad or weird idea.
Only thing that is similar is the four lead women setup. Golden girls four middle aged to older women living in the same house comically sharing stories and shade, designing women four women who are partners in a business and discuss the issues of their days and social topics and have a male and black point of view from its only male lead, each had different approaches to comedy.
This show is a favorite! There are no words to express how important and impactful that episode was. These ladies were just as down-to-business on tough, sensitive issues as The Golden Girls but always seemed to do it with more fervor and insistence.
I miss getting to watch Designing Women when they had new episodes. Suzanne Sugarbaker was our teacher on how to handle the idiots of the world. Her sass could handle any situation.
Wow. I remember that episode, and the time. I would have thought it would have dated so much worse than that. It makes me kind of sad, but also kind of proud of those who kept fighting the good fight in the hostile times of the 80's.
I love this episode of Designing Women! It be great if you revisit this episode/topic in a longer video. There was so many good parts, like the rest of Jo Ann's speech at the PTA meeting.
Growing up, my parents nor teachers ever talked about practicing safe sex. It was always abstinence. Young people need to be taught about it because they’re so naive. I did my own research on birth control, HIV/AIDS, and teen pregnancy because no one would ever want to sit down and talk to me about it.
Great video *Matt* , I was a teen when this was on. I loved *Designing Women* , and remember watching this episode. I remember how I learned more from this show about HIV than what was taught in school, I was just starting to understand that I might be gay and there was very little (to none) information about this subject as well as any gay characters on TV. Nothing like in later years, and this story line was a major moment for me as a young teen.
There's an episode of Mr Belvedere where a kid in Wesley's class has AIDS and is shunned by everyone yet Wesley sticks up for him. That might be a good one to spotlight.
I like the Morris t-shirt. This episode of Designing Women was soooooo very good, especially Julia's speech to her client!! Thank you for this wonderful video.😊
I remember all too well when this episode aired. I was in my early 20’s, was exploring what being gay meant to me, and had to deal with the smack in the face of HIV. It was frighteningly noticeable as the disease started picking up speed. The gay nightclubs weren’t as crowded as they once were. At one point, I began dating a rather handsome, taller guy who wore sexy eyeglasses, and a slight beard. He was a bit older than me, which I liked. Then on the 3rd date, he broke my heart a little. He admitted he was HIV +, and was being treated for AIDS. I was shocked, but told him it didn’t bother me. We continued to date. He started looking for a house to rent that would be more convenient for us both. I told some coworkers I was dating someone who was living with HIV. These other gay men thought I was playing with fire. I said if Steven had some other disease, I wouldn’t break up with him, it shouldn’t matter either way. But Steven thought after a few more months, he didn’t want to hurt me. I had dealt with another boyfriend passing away, non HIV, a few years before. So that was it. About a year later I noticed his name in the obituaries. I wasn’t surprised. I went to the viewing. And felt very alone. A friend of Steven’s from out of town approached me. He knew who I was and was very kind to me the rest of the evening. As I left Steven’s mother asked me to wait, she returned with an envelope. It was a picture Steven asked his mother to give me if she saw me. I still have it. Today, I’m lucky enough to say, I’m married, and I’ve been with my husband 31 years. I never thought I’d find somebody like Matt. He loves me more than I ever thought possible. A few years ago we went through the same thing of having a nurse reject me in a hospital. I had a cancer diagnosis, and was in intensive care for almost 2 months after surgery. During my stay a young, new nurse was assigned to me. After meeting Matt and I, she never returned to my room even though I was her patient. After 3 days Matt and I figured out what was happening. Hospital administrators were very nervous. We never saw this girl again. I doubt it, but I hope she was fired. Sometimes I miss all the talented, handsome, funny guys that were lost back then. It all seems like such a waste.
Interesting. I find it weird that there's so much pressure on people to HAVE sex, as if you are abnormal or deficient somehow. Yes, some people have sex as soon as their equipment works, others aren't ready for years. Either should be accepted.
I've never felt pressured to have sex, frankly. Maybe I'm just hideous. Maybe I'm just secure enough in myself that I don't feel like sex will fill some void. But either way, there's no one inquiring after your sex life, it's a perfectly acceptable thing to not talk about. Studies have also shown that 1. Young people today have less sex and 2. People believe that others are having more sex than they really are.
Honestly I think there's a correlation between modern acceptance of different sexualities and gender identities, AND also the rising awareness of consent and sexual abuse, with young people having less sex - because more of us are really choosing when and if we have sex compared to previous generations.
I love me some Designing women, it was a great social issue comedy that tackled topics while having comedic moments that still make you laugh out loud.
Sadly people *still* don't know half this information. I still have arguments with people about kissing, old dried up blood etc. People just don't know.
"Let's say that humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague, and the leader of the free world refused to talk about it. Where could Americans turn for the frank truth about their very survival?" Haaaaah. Imagine something that crazy happening twice.
When Matt opened this vid referencing a great health crisis and the prez not taking it seriously I immediately paused to check the date it was uploaded. The more things change, the more they do stay the same.
It’s was easier for them to ignore HIV/AIDS because of who it was primarily killing in the early days. Gay men. It wasn’t until it started showing up in other groups that more people started to take it seriously.
@@darth_kal-el Eventually we saw a great deal of understanding and support. I think that was directly a result of people finally see us as people and not a labeled, misunderstood part of society.
+Sterling Ross Hooboy, that's a very tough episode! Good, but pretty challenging as sitcoms of the 80s go. But yes, you're right -- definitely worth looking into.
I remember Bill Nye talking about AIDS. I was young enough at the time that I hadn't picked up any of the negative stereotypes, so I didn't understand why it was such a big deal, but even that far on, I'm sure it was a pretty pointed thing to include that segment.
While I don't abdicate for abstinence education as being the only option to prevent stds, I DO think it needs to be OKAY for someone to choose to not have sex until they are married. It needs to be a choice, and people are respected for the choices they make.
I was teenager when AIDS first become known as Rock Hudson came out about it. TV shows and movies were not ready for it until As the World Turns in a first gay character with AIDS on daytime followed by Designing Women and Golden Girls. An Early Frost with Aidan Quinn and Longtime Companion shortly after. AMC and DAYS also did an episode on AIDS with GH having a primary character leading to the annual Nurses' Ball.
So true. I learned more about AIDS and STI/STDs from TV comics & shows.... Designing Women this episode, Golden Girls, Three's Company...Seinfeld, Will & Grace, Queer as Folk (American version)
You have great video's. That episode was so sad. I remember watching it out here on the Prairies. But it did make my Mum and Dad ask me if I was being safe.
I was in high school in the late 80's. Our gym teacher brought us into the locker room and showed us a video about safe sex. She then pleaded with us not to tell anyone or else she'd lose her job. And this was in Boston, not the deep south.
"Ima Jean, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to move your car ... because _you're leaving!_" Dixie Carter landed the scene like a bomb, and you wonder if the man in the sound booth still has ringing ears. Tony Goldwyn played Kendall; he was also in _Longtime Companion_ and was the bad guy in _Ghost_.
It mostly changed around with the father "Al Bundy" who at one point was pretty homophobic (but making homophobes look pretty silly) and at one point acting like it is no big deal at all ("So we are two men who don't want to touch my wife.") It has quite a number of seasons and I could look up the episodes with a gay reference if this helps you.
I second this!! That would be a great episode! And yes as Amanda Bearse (who is queer) moved up from just an actor to, eventually, some kind of consulting producer, the show definitely shifted in tone in that regard, taking Al from something of a depressed Archie Bunker to a more benign schlub whose characterization was something like "Geez, I'm an asshole, not a bigot!"
What was really interesting about Married with Children was at the time while it was public knowledge that Amanda Bearse (Marcy) was gay, there was an episode and where she played Marcy's cousin Mandy in a dual role who is to Al's shock is revealed to be gay and allowed her to her own personal life through said characters. The fact that she played a character where the running gag was she was often mistaken from a man yet was a sex crazed character towards her husband.
Ahhhh geez. So sorry about that, that sucks. Can you let me know what URL the ad sends you to? The only way for me to block them is if people report the URL to me.
Matt Baume Not your fault! Here's where it sent me www.prageru.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwgYPZBRBoEiwA2XeupXnbPte02VHDlVAe9zJjBSu0Lgwvckex-2t2Mq5owdCmL-50ZRZrqxoCPS8QAvD_BwE
Degrassi High also did a two part episode in which one straight character was infected with HIV/AIDs in which most of the characters thought it only affected homosexuals. The episode also talked about condoms in schools and how you can’t get infected through physical contact.
Matt, thanks for presenting these ladies whom I hadn't the slightest clue about. In Mexico we never had the show on and we only had the comfort to watch Star Trek which tangentially included some gay moments. These designing ladies are true heroes.
"Let's say that humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague and that the leader of the free world refused to talk about it." I couldn't imagine such a thing.
"Let's say that humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague, and the leader of the free world refused to talk about it..."
Me in 2020: screaming internally
Same!
I was thinking along those lines as well.
I know, I had to look at the date the vid was published to realize that WASN’T shade
@@sonorasgirl ikr Matt must be psychic
If I had a nickel for every time humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague and the leader of the free world refuaed to talk about it, I'd have two nickels, which isn't a lot but it's weird that it happened twice
This is incredible! I'm a college professor who teaches a course on HIV/AIDS and Media Representations, and I'm going to include this in my syllabus when I show this particular episode next time!
Oh that's awesome! Glad the video can be helpful.
I want to take your class lol
@bitterboi31 Vulgarian.
the golden girls has an episode about this too!
Thank you.
The fact that Captain Planet had to teach people about AIDS and HIV is saddening.
As a 51 year old living with undetectable HIV, since 1996, who has lost many friends, your words about judgmentalists hurt, because they are true. Thank you for just being blunt about the reality of hateful people. We need people like you to keep our memories alive, as we start to fade from almost regular old age.
I Don’t Have Any Friends, That Are Alive Today, From That Time.
I Had A Lot Of Friends, For Years, And They’re All Gone Now.
I’m 64 Now, And Just Lost My X, December 17Th. He Was The Last To Go In My World.
I Say, Ya Can’t Keep A Good Queen Down…🌷💛🌷💛🌷
@@geraldsmith7240 I don't know if it applies, or you would feel it helpful, but I joined a couple gay widowers groups on FB when my first husband died, and that really helped. My current husband survived his ex's suicide after he had over come cancer, because my husband didn't want to get back together. The sick bastard sent him a bouquet of flowers for Valentine's Day, before swallowing a handful of pills. We all have lives and stories to tell. Tell yours, if you feel it. Be well.
Thank you for the reminder of what a service Designing Women did or us. I didn’t know the backstory about Linda Bloodwort Thompson’s mother dying of AIDS; so sad.
here in 2020 and those first ten seconds had me doing a date check on when this came out
I'm amazed how we are still having the same conversations about sex health in today's society.
+M.E. To be fair though, they are happening much less. Gen X parents at least more often have a clue compared to Boomers (obviously speaking in very general terms), and more Gen Y parents are at least sex-ed neutral.
Malcolm Swoboda Well I agree there is more awareness of the importance of sexual health. However, it is important to note the quality of sexual health conversations/education. There are whole generation y's out there who were not taught quality sex health thanks to over a decade of abstinence only education. A few parents fill the gaps but with growing STD rates I'd surmise this education has created significant damage.
Reagan really fucked us over for a while
It's not the same conversation. 30 years ago, no one took evangelicals and extreme right wing nutbags seriously. now they're the president.
True. But if it's any condolence, Gen Z, my generation, is really starting to actively pursue their own sexual education :)
I have never understood parents who think that their kids aren’t going to experiment with sex, alcohol, etc. No matter how they are raised, they are more influenced by their peers at that age. It’s better to teach them to be safe with such behaviors.
I was raised as a Fundamental Baptist yet still made out with guys, drank at parties and occasionally smoked marijuana. My mom would have killed me, but it’s what my friends were doing. I remembered that when it came to giving my own daughter advice and told her about condoms, never riding with a drunk or stoned driver and that she could call me no matter what and I would come get her. I used to say “if you’re gonna be stupid, be smart about it”. She’s an adult now and tells me that really was helpful advice. She has made great decisions and is now a successful professional.
I was a nurse when this happening watching this new episode at time was so real
How did the other nurses and doctors act?
This is a bit late, but thank you for your service at those horrifying times.
@@johnwilson4677 well,they treated them,like shit they were separated. And labeled
They don't remember or don't wanna remember or ain't old enough to know
Thank you for your service Kimberly
My mother gave me a PAINFULLY detailed sex talk and it did NOT have me skipping off to the pharmacy to pick condoms. I wasn’t ready-and learning new information didn’t change that. Meanwhile, a classmate of mine found herself *ahem* with child because she thought you could prevent pregnancy by peeing after intercourse!
Watching your videos is the smartest decision I’ve made all day!
Thank you!
Well peeing after intercourse does help prevent UTI’s…but not HIV/Aids.
You should do a video about the Golden Girls episode titled "72 Hours". I felt exactly like Rose did the first time I was tested because my name was given as a contact by a guy I had sex with who either didn't know at the time or just didn't tell me he was HIV+. back then I did have to wait 3 days. it was a horrible experience. and it taught me some valuable lessons.
Wow I can't imagine how frightening that would be. And yeah that episode definitely deserves a look!
It was a terribly tense, frightening, anxious time for me. I was lucky to have a co-worker to confide in and to go to the doctor with me. she was the only one I confided in. thanks for responding to me Matt. appreciate it.
@@hairychest7865 I had my first HIV test in '91 (El Paso, TX). Rose thought it was painful waiting 3 whole days? Try 2 WEEKS! When they told me that, for some "unknown reason", I went home with the worst headache.
@@hairychest7865 Sorry you had to go through that. I hope things are going ok for you now and that you’re getting the healthcare you need.
I loved Designing Women. I strive to be as straight up and blunt as Julia, lol.
WilC79 I hear that! Julia's my favorite character.
The funny part is, many of those speeches are ones Dixie Carter didn't especially want to give, Being more conservative than the woman who wrote her. She made a deal with Linda Bloodworth-Thomason that for every such speech that Julia gave, Dixie Carter got to sing in an episode.
But I am sure this was not one of them. Dixie, for her conservative leanings, was well-known for her support of the gay community, acknowledged & appreciated the show's gay following.
Dear Matt... I can’t thank you enough for doing this episode. I remember it like it was yesterday when I first saw it as a freshman cadet at the US Naval Academy. I watched it in secret, of course, with the guy who would become my boyfriend and the love of my life. We watched it with nervous laughter because we too were only just beginning to come out to ourselves. I thank God we had each other for love and support. Even though my partner died many years ago, you brought back sweet and scary times that are such a monumentally important part of my past. Thank you, Matt. God Bless you 😘
You sir, are horribly undersubscribed!
I agree. Guess we should play supersubscriber.
Yeah tell me about it! Or better yet, tell your friends.
I just realized I wasn't subscribed. I fixed that pronto!
The opening lines had me rechecking the date, like, are we sure Matt put this out in 2015? Holy god.
I didn't know that Designing Women was a sitcom, much less a sitcom that was brave enough to tackle the topic of AIDS. Good for them for being forthright and unafraid to stand up what was right. I don't think I've seen more than one show address the AIDS crisis; the only one that comes to mind is The Golden Girls, when Rose is afraid she contracted it after finding out a blood transfusion she once had was potentially infected. Definitely going to give this episode a viewing some time this weekend. It's utterly shocking how relevant it still is...
Just watched this for the first time in 2021. I just realized this video came out in 2015
Just watched that episode and I'm surprised how amazing and well written it was.
I remember this episode when it first aired -- it was 1987. I was 12 years old and seriously remember the scare tactics we were being educated with regarding anything to do with AIDS. Honestly, this episode was a true education that we needed about AIDS -- not the scare tactics but the truth. I remember being taught either abstinence or death with regards to sex. But because my mom was (still is) a Jehovah's Witness, I was also taught that AIDS was just another show of why God was against blood transfusions. TV saved me from a lot of brain washing. It's odd that shows based in fiction taught so much truth. And it's weird to say that TV educated me instead of brainwashed me. *Shrugs* Murphy Brown was another show that I also learned a lot from, regarding current affairs of the time.
Kendell was elected president ironically years later (on tv at least in "Scandal.")
I remember when the “God’s punishment” argument used to be mainstream. ☹️ It’s nice that our society has evolved enough for that view to now be seen as cartoonishly evil.
My dad first explained what gay meant to me when he was watching the news and there was a story about a mysterious “gay cancer”. Now UA-cam recommended this video to me because I recently searched for that news clip. I think my parents watched Designing Women but I didn’t remember that episode. So thanks for mentioning it.
It's interesting that, like similarly progressive Golden Girls, Designing Women was a show about women, cast mostly with women.
Similarly, Murphy Brown. (I know this is dreadfully late, but I wanted to list it.)
One of my favorite episodes! The only one I enjoyed more was when Julia gave her "..night the lights went out in Georgie" speech... which, admittedly, wasn't quite as socially significant. :)
+sparkers70 It was a triumphant celebration of patriotism, battlefields, and diamond tiaras!
sparkers70
sparkers70
Julia gave a scathing speech in just about every episode...the self-confessed loud-mouthed liberal....& I LOVED EVERY WORD THAT EVER CAME OUT OF HER MOUTH!!! ❤️
@@MattBaume though it did attack body-shaming to some degree.
I remember watching this episode the night it originally aired. It was right after I came out and I was terrified about the pandemic. It did help educate but it was scary to an 18 y/o who only had sex once and didn't have sex again until 1991! It wasn't this show that did it I was extremely picky!
In the mid 80's Showtime aired a sitcom for 3 or 4 seasons titled "Brothers" which I believe was the first American sitcom in which two of the major characters were openly gay. It was full of gay stereotypes and jokes but it was groundbreaking in so many ways, including the first television series to address the AIDS epidemic amid the panic typical of the period. I would love to see someone do a bit of coverage about it, and give it the credit it deserves.
REPLY
This was a defining moment in my childhood. It didn't take away the fear of death and loneliness that I felt was looming ahead of me (because of all the other media dealing with AIDs and gay people), but it helped a little. I just thought, "if I can meet some crazy gals like the Designing Women once I'm grown and out, maybe I can be happy..." Luckily, I did.
The first American show with a main character (not a one off episode) with AIDS was "General Hospital!" This might not fit into the larger discussion about queerness in media (both the main characters in this case were straight) but I do think it's an interesting bit of pop culture history and you might like to check it out. (For more information, the characters were Stone and Robin)
Robin and stone?
Such a great emotional storyline.
I remember those characters when I was little. I didn't watch GH but sometimes I would watch when they had the Nurses' Ball.
The Aids story line on General hospital was one of the best story lines The had.
When I've explained AIDS in the 1980's, my 18 year old daughter ihas been flabbergasted. She has a hard time understanding the political and social climate. She has to see this!
That intro hits different in 2020
Designing Women was one of my favorite shows and YES, it tackled many subjects that were not being dealt with by other shows and even the media. It could be hilariously funny , dramatic and heartbreaking all in the same episode - quite a feat for any show reminded me of Norman Lear's shows 'All In The Family' & 'Maude' as well as M*A*S*H and the Golden Girls who also took on very controversial and largely ignored subjects. Thank You, Matt for reminding me what a great show this was, it is a pity that the people making entertainment today seem to have so little interest in making great content like this anymore.
“Let’s say humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague and the leader of the free world refused to talk about it...”
2020: Ouch, right in the COVID mask.
Crikey that intro is depressingly still apt
I come from a very old Puritan family, mayflower old, and When I was younger I had a cousin who was gay named Richard. He came out to his family when I was about 6/7 and there response? Send him to a conversion camp! He ended up killing himself that night, and I remember at the funeral, no one crying or showing remorse of any kind. I mean he’s dead in his early 20’s and not one person cried because “he did what he had to, so he could be back in gods grace.” At one point I got up to my cousin William, and started hitting his leg “6/7 years old” and trying to make him cry, to feel something for Richards death! But nothing, so I cried for him instead, and I still mourn him
Not gay, not homophobic, not even that young...just someone who never knew about these shows and how they bridged a gap before my time. I love these videos and thank you for informing us on what was then and sometimes sadly now xx
You knocked this one out of the park, bro! I haven't ever really taken designing women that seriously before. I believe golden girls just overshadows it a lot! Lol... Though now I feel I need to reconsider watching it. I love what you had to say about hiv and how it was and still is viewed to this day. Keep the commentaries coming man! ☺ 😊 😀 😁 Best, Marvin
“I’m gonna have to ask you to move your car. Because you’re leaving.”
That’s a rather polite way to say _“Get the hell out of my house.”_
As someone from the south that’s the southern way of saying “it’s time for get the fuck out of my house”
Thank you for all your insicive videos. They are very important and should be required viewing for all high school age kids. I especially.loved the Designing Women.episode where the women discuss HIV/AIDS and prevention of transmission of the virus via correct condom usage. Bravo, Designing Women.
Golden Girls also tackled the AIDS issues, if I recall correctly. I watched it when I was a teenager, and it stuck with me. It had a little bit of a cop-out ending, but still had some good conversations about the epidemic.
Wow! Great job!!! I JUST saw this episode on old tv and needed to share this somehow and explain it but you did it perfectly ! Thank you
Things really haven't changed where I grew up (St. Louis, Missouri). In public school in 2014 we were still being taught abstinence only; absolutely nothing was said about safe sex. But I guess it was all kind of moot, since me and everyone I know had already learned about safe sex from the internet (which isn't really the best place to get information, but it is sure better than nothing). Personally, I think "abstinence" it is just a cop out; by just saying "don't have sex" they are avoiding the issue entirely.
You poor guy, growing up in St. Louis. The"what high school did you go to" town. Escape! Head West, young man.
We had sex ed on the curriculum about every two years starting in 4th grade (development of babys in the womb etc) and then later of course safe sex etc, by then most people already knew cause of the media, but it was still mandatory in school to teach. But you can't compare that to the US, where they still teach abstinence in so many schools (I'm from Germany)
It truly depends on the people who are in office (no separation of church and state when it comes to this topic). I didn’t say that is fair either - you really have to “luck” upon a progressive teacher in order to have a non-biased form of the truth, so you can develop your own opinion about the subject. I have been a fan of Designing Women since its creation in the 80’s. I have truly admired how well written and acted the program is - such a breath of fresh air, even in 2018! Thank goodness for UA-cam!!
I think abstinence has a place for those who don’t want to have sex till they’re older or with the right person. I was one of those. The extreme pressure to have sex while in high school is also a problem. I’ve been with a wonderful partner for 23 years now and it was worth the wait. That said, I do understand waiting may not be for everyone and I’m glad sex education is more easily available now. I just don’t want people to make “waiting” sound like a bad or weird idea.
oooo...I sense a future smack down of epic proportions: Designing Women vs. Golden Girls! Let's compare and contrast those television jewels.
Only thing that is similar is the four lead women setup. Golden girls four middle aged to older women living in the same house comically sharing stories and shade, designing women four women who are partners in a business and discuss the issues of their days and social topics and have a male and black point of view from its only male lead, each had different approaches to comedy.
Those first 5 seconds... after living through 2020, it doesn't seem as wild and preposterous anymore.
This show is a favorite! There are no words to express how important and impactful that episode was. These ladies were just as down-to-business on tough, sensitive issues as The Golden Girls but always seemed to do it with more fervor and insistence.
Was the gay character also the president (in Scandal)?
+Paul Hodgins Yup, that's the guy!
Tony Goldwyn
Yes.
He is also Tarzan
He was also the co-worker that betrayed Patrick Swayze in Ghost and got Sam killed!
A stunning episode on every level at the time. I watched it as it aired & cried my eyes out.
This is absolutely heartbreaking...
This was profoundly important when it first aired. And it always makes me cry.
I miss getting to watch Designing Women when they had new episodes. Suzanne Sugarbaker was our teacher on how to handle the idiots of the world. Her sass could handle any situation.
Wow. I remember that episode, and the time. I would have thought it would have dated so much worse than that. It makes me kind of sad, but also kind of proud of those who kept fighting the good fight in the hostile times of the 80's.
I love this episode of Designing Women! It be great if you revisit this episode/topic in a longer video. There was so many good parts, like the rest of Jo Ann's speech at the PTA meeting.
Growing up, my parents nor teachers ever talked about practicing safe sex. It was always abstinence. Young people need to be taught about it because they’re so naive. I did my own research on birth control, HIV/AIDS, and teen pregnancy because no one would ever want to sit down and talk to me about it.
Great video *Matt* , I was a teen when this was on. I loved *Designing Women* , and remember watching this episode. I remember how I learned more from this show about HIV than what was taught in school, I was just starting to understand that I might be gay and there was very little (to none) information about this subject as well as any gay characters on TV. Nothing like in later years, and this story line was a major moment for me as a young teen.
There's an episode of Mr Belvedere where a kid in Wesley's class has AIDS and is shunned by everyone yet Wesley sticks up for him. That might be a good one to spotlight.
I like the Morris t-shirt. This episode of Designing Women was soooooo very good, especially Julia's speech to her client!! Thank you for this wonderful video.😊
I remember all too well when this episode aired. I was in my early 20’s, was exploring what being gay meant to me, and had to deal with the smack in the face of HIV. It was frighteningly noticeable as the disease started picking up speed. The gay nightclubs weren’t as crowded as they once were. At one point, I began dating a rather handsome, taller guy who wore sexy eyeglasses, and a slight beard. He was a bit older than me, which I liked. Then on the 3rd date, he broke my heart a little. He admitted he was HIV +, and was being treated for AIDS. I was shocked, but told him it didn’t bother me. We continued to date. He started looking for a house to rent that would be more convenient for us both. I told some coworkers I was dating someone who was living with HIV. These other gay men thought I was playing with fire. I said if Steven had some other disease, I wouldn’t break up with him, it shouldn’t matter either way. But Steven thought after a few more months, he didn’t want to hurt me. I had dealt with another boyfriend passing away, non HIV, a few years before. So that was it. About a year later I noticed his name in the obituaries. I wasn’t surprised. I went to the viewing. And felt very alone. A friend of Steven’s from out of town approached me. He knew who I was and was very kind to me the rest of the evening. As I left Steven’s mother asked me to wait, she returned with an envelope. It was a picture Steven asked his mother to give me if she saw me. I still have it. Today, I’m lucky enough to say, I’m married, and I’ve been with my husband 31 years. I never thought I’d find somebody like Matt. He loves me more than I ever thought possible. A few years ago we went through the same thing of having a nurse reject me in a hospital. I had a cancer diagnosis, and was in intensive care for almost 2 months after surgery. During my stay a young, new nurse was assigned to me. After meeting Matt and I, she never returned to my room even though I was her patient. After 3 days Matt and I figured out what was happening. Hospital administrators were very nervous. We never saw this girl again. I doubt it, but I hope she was fired. Sometimes I miss all the talented, handsome, funny guys that were lost back then. It all seems like such a waste.
Wow you sir have turned me on to
Many shows/movies...so grateful
Hm. That opening bit hits different this year.
St. Elsewhere episode "Aid and Comfort" and 21 Jump Street episode "A Big Disease with a Little Name"
+tazntpa Oh I haven't seen those! I'll investigate. Thanks!
21 Jump Street almost killed me with that episode. "Nobody likes the chocolate milk."
His first line...it's almost like he's talking about now!
Interesting. I find it weird that there's so much pressure on people to HAVE sex, as if you are abnormal or deficient somehow. Yes, some people have sex as soon as their equipment works, others aren't ready for years. Either should be accepted.
I've never felt pressured to have sex, frankly. Maybe I'm just hideous. Maybe I'm just secure enough in myself that I don't feel like sex will fill some void. But either way, there's no one inquiring after your sex life, it's a perfectly acceptable thing to not talk about. Studies have also shown that 1. Young people today have less sex and 2. People believe that others are having more sex than they really are.
And sometimes as you get older sex becomes less important than true connection respect and last but not least love.
Honestly I think there's a correlation between modern acceptance of different sexualities and gender identities, AND also the rising awareness of consent and sexual abuse, with young people having less sex - because more of us are really choosing when and if we have sex compared to previous generations.
This is the brutal truth that you speak. I am a nurse. The government has cost lives by not informing people
Loved this episode, one of the best
There was also an episode about HIV/AIDS in both Mr. Belvedere (Wesley's Friend, s2e16) and Grace Under Fire (Positively Hateful s3e160).
Oh my GOD this episode was my favorite when I was a kid. Julia has the best speech in this one.
I remember that episode. I love that show.
I love me some Designing women, it was a great social issue comedy that tackled topics while having comedic moments that still make you laugh out loud.
The first person I saw on tv that had aids was a cute, young, dark skinned guy on the Real World.
He passed away and it was traumatizing.
Sadly people *still* don't know half this information. I still have arguments with people about kissing, old dried up blood etc. People just don't know.
"Let's say that humanity was facing its greatest health crisis since the plague, and the leader of the free world refused to talk about it. Where could Americans turn for the frank truth about their very survival?"
Haaaaah. Imagine something that crazy happening twice.
Fabulous episode, mate! Thanks for this.
When Matt opened this vid referencing a great health crisis and the prez not taking it seriously I immediately paused to check the date it was uploaded. The more things change, the more they do stay the same.
It’s was easier for them to ignore HIV/AIDS because of who it was primarily killing in the early days. Gay men. It wasn’t until it started showing up in other groups that more people started to take it seriously.
@@darth_kal-el Eventually we saw a great deal of understanding
and support. I think that was directly a result of people finally see us as people and not a labeled, misunderstood part of society.
You should also one on the episode of The Golden Girls where Rose thinks she has AIDS.
+Sterling Ross Hooboy, that's a very tough episode! Good, but pretty challenging as sitcoms of the 80s go. But yes, you're right -- definitely worth looking into.
The hospital stuck me in a storage closet away from everyone else.
I remember Bill Nye talking about AIDS. I was young enough at the time that I hadn't picked up any of the negative stereotypes, so I didn't understand why it was such a big deal, but even that far on, I'm sure it was a pretty pointed thing to include that segment.
First time watching this. Your opening remark is doubly impressive seeing as this was 5 years ago.
Forget I asked the question before. You are right. It was a great show.
While I don't abdicate for abstinence education as being the only option to prevent stds, I DO think it needs to be OKAY for someone to choose to not have sex until they are married. It needs to be a choice, and people are respected for the choices they make.
InfernoMutant no one says it’s not ok. It’s just not okay to teach it as the only option
I was teenager when AIDS first become known as Rock Hudson came out about it. TV shows and movies were not ready for it until As the World Turns in a first gay character with AIDS on daytime followed by Designing Women and Golden Girls. An Early Frost with Aidan Quinn and Longtime Companion shortly after. AMC and DAYS also did an episode on AIDS with GH having a primary character leading to the annual Nurses' Ball.
Great episode! :-)
This was so good. Thank you!
Linda Bloodworth wrote brilliant characters. RIP Dixie Carter!
So true. I learned more about AIDS and STI/STDs from TV comics & shows.... Designing Women this episode, Golden Girls, Three's Company...Seinfeld, Will & Grace, Queer as Folk (American version)
You have great video's. That episode was so sad. I remember watching it out here on the Prairies. But it did make my Mum and Dad ask me if I was being safe.
I remember watching this show all the time as a kid. And I definitely remember this episode - it was great!
I think the big haired busy body was modeled after Anita Bryant
How the hell am I only just finding your channel?? You’re amazing. Doing the lord’s work.
I was in high school in the late 80's. Our gym teacher brought us into the locker room and showed us a video about safe sex. She then pleaded with us not to tell anyone or else she'd lose her job. And this was in Boston, not the deep south.
"Ima Jean, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to move your car ... because _you're leaving!_"
Dixie Carter landed the scene like a bomb, and you wonder if the man in the sound booth still has ringing ears. Tony Goldwyn played Kendall; he was also in _Longtime Companion_ and was the bad guy in _Ghost_.
You are wonderful. Love all your broadcast.
I actually would love to see how the image of homosexuals changed over time on Married with Children and why.
+Joachim Schoder Oh that's a fascinating idea! I'm not at all familiar with this show -- did its approach to gays change a lot?
It mostly changed around with the father "Al Bundy" who at one point was pretty homophobic (but making homophobes look pretty silly) and at one point acting like it is no big deal at all ("So we are two men who don't want to touch my wife.") It has quite a number of seasons and I could look up the episodes with a gay reference if this helps you.
That would be interesting. The woman who plays Darcy is gay in real life.
I second this!! That would be a great episode! And yes as Amanda Bearse (who is queer) moved up from just an actor to, eventually, some kind of consulting producer, the show definitely shifted in tone in that regard, taking Al from something of a depressed Archie Bunker to a more benign schlub whose characterization was something like "Geez, I'm an asshole, not a bigot!"
What was really interesting about Married with Children was at the time while it was public knowledge that Amanda Bearse (Marcy) was gay, there was an episode and where she played Marcy's cousin Mandy in a dual role who is to Al's shock is revealed to be gay and allowed her to her own personal life through said characters. The fact that she played a character where the running gag was she was often mistaken from a man yet was a sex crazed character towards her husband.
I was a teenager during this time. Do a read up on how the Reagan’s treated Rock Hudson. He was their friend, & then suddenly wasn’t.
I remember this episode. It taught me a lot.
Love how I'm getting a Prager U video before this. Thanks UA-cam!
Ahhhh geez. So sorry about that, that sucks. Can you let me know what URL the ad sends you to? The only way for me to block them is if people report the URL to me.
Matt Baume Not your fault! Here's where it sent me www.prageru.com/?gclid=CjwKCAjwgYPZBRBoEiwA2XeupXnbPte02VHDlVAe9zJjBSu0Lgwvckex-2t2Mq5owdCmL-50ZRZrqxoCPS8QAvD_BwE
That was a great episode!
I remember growing up in the late nineties/early 2000s and the “you can get aids from a toilet seat” rumor was still going strong then.
Degrassi High also did a two part episode in which one straight character was infected with HIV/AIDs in which most of the characters thought it only affected homosexuals. The episode also talked about condoms in schools and how you can’t get infected through physical contact.
Matt, thanks for presenting these ladies whom I hadn't the slightest clue about. In Mexico we never had the show on and we only had the comfort to watch Star Trek which tangentially included some gay moments. These designing ladies are true heroes.
2019. It's frightening to think how far backwards we have fallen in the past few years.
This discussion is brilliant. ❤️