"This AIDS stuff is pretty scary. I hope I don't get it"

In this quote, professional photographer Robert Mapplethorpe reveals his worry and concern about the AIDS epidemic. He acknowledges the seriousness of the illness and the capacity for him to contract it. This statement shows the prevalent fear and unpredictability surrounding AIDS during the 1980s, when Mapplethorpe made this remark. As a gay man and artist, Mapplethorpe was most likely knowledgeable about the high risk of HIV transmission within the LGBTQ+ neighborhood. His words also highlight the personal effect of the AIDS crisis, as he reveals his intend to avoid ending up being another victim of the disease. Overall, this quote catches the fear and vulnerability felt by numerous during this tumultuous time in history.