When some parents pick up the newspaper these days, they wonder if they should pass it along to their children. They wonder how their children will react to stories of murder, war and sex.

They may think their children will develop an insensitivity toward negative news. This is an unfortunate characteristic that some Americans have acquired. Countless stories of a negative nature, such as death and social turmoil, have caused some people to develop an immunity to bad news. Their reaction to such news has become almost non-existent.

Parents may also think that the negative news will have an adverse effect on their children. The stories may influence the children to follow the wrong path.

However, it is also possible that parents are underestimating the maturity and sensitivity of our young people. The ongoing story of Magic Johnson disclosing that he has the HIV virus, which causes AIDS, offers an opportunity to show how our youth are reacting to an issue of extreme social importance.

Two Brewer Middle School students, Matt Moore and Tony LeBlanc, are an example of how young people are reacting to the Johnson story.

Matt, an eighth-grader, drew the illustration of Magic that accompanies this column to show his positive perception of the NBA star. Tony, a sixth-grader, put his thoughts into the following story:

“Earvin Johnson was born in 1959 to hard-working parents. He was one of 10 children. He always loved basketball and practiced every day, even in the rain.”

“In high school, Magic decided to go to Michigan State. After his freshman year, he wanted to go into the NBA, but Dr. Charles Tucker, a family friend, convinced him, to stay in college.”

“In the 1978-79 season, as a young sophomore, Magic brought Michigan State to the national championship against Larry Bird’s Indiana State team. Magic was the leading scorer in the game and helped his team win the college championship title.”

“In 1979, Magic was the No. 1 draft pick of the Los Angeles Lakers. In his rookie season, the Lakers made it to the NBA championship against the 76ers. The Lakers’ Kareem Abdul-Jabbar hurt his ankle in the fifth game and was unable to play in the sixth. The Lakers had won three games and the 76ers had won two. Lakers Coach Paul Westhead made the tough decision to put No. 32, Magic Johnson, at center.”

“It was a good decision. Magic had 42 points and nine assists. Magic went on to help the Lakers win four more championships.”

“Through all of Magic’s life he has been a positive role model. He has encouraged kids to reach for their goals because of his love for life. He does not take drugs, smoke or drink. He always has had a positive attitude shown by his cheerful smile. Many companies sought Magic to represent them because of his trusting nature.”

“Nov. 7 was a tragic day for Magic and his fans. He announced that he is HIV positive. He made people realize that HIV and AIDS can happen to anyone.”

“Magic’s positive attitude will bring him thriugh this. He is using his illness as an opportunity to educate the people of America.”

“When Magic retired, our hero died, the game died, our dreams died. But a rebirth happened. Magic came back with a smile, a smile that brought happiness to his fans. The work he will do in the future will help the world. I speak to our hero. The only thing I can say is `we love you Magic.'”

Some Americans, after reading about Magic Johnson, amy have shown their insensitive nature to negative news. Others may not have changed their attitudes toward AIDS. Two young Americans, however, reacted in a caring, mature fashion. Their positive outlook may provide one of the many ingredients needed to eventually defeat AIDS.

Joe McLaughlin is a NEWS assistant sports editor.