2、Cirque du Soleil (say it: Serk du So-lay) is being accused of out-dated thinking about the dangers of AIDS.It is a modern acrobatic circus from Canada that tours in the United States and other countries.

　　Last April, the company fired Matthew Cusick because he was HIV positive.This was after he spent four months learning his part in an act.

　　A spokesman for the circus said Cusick was fired for safety reasons.They said he was a danger to others.

　　He disagreed.

　　Hundreds of people picketed a show in San Francisco.They said that firing him was not legal.

　　Cusick says the company knew he was HIV positive when they hired him.It was not fair to let him put so much time into learning his act, and then fire him before he performed.

　　He says he is not a danger to others.People can only get AIDS if infected blood contacts another person's blood, or open wound.

　　The company says what their acrobats do is very, very dangerous.They perform tricks without nets.Someone might fall and get hurt.It could be bloody.They say it is too risky to let a person with HIV take part in an act.

　　People who run the circus say it hurts to be accused of discrimination.

　　Matthew Cusick says he feels hurt that he can't perform in the big blue and yellow tent.

　　Dozens of artists, actors, writers and entertainers got involved in protesting the firing of Matthew Cusick.Some names you might know are: the Actors' Equity Union (45,000 members), Rosie O'Donnell, Rod McKuen, and Chad Allen.They also protested at a showing in Orange County.They said "HIV discrimination is unacceptable."

　　32[单选题]Matthew Cusick __.

　　A.believes he was fired illegally

　　B.says he was not HIV positive

　　C.understands why he had to be fired

　　D.lives in San Francisco

　　[答案]A

　　[解析]在第六段，Cusick说，马戏团在雇用他时就已经知道他是艾滋病病毒携带者，因此在他花费长时间的准备之后，又没有让他登台演出就解雇他是不公平的。

　　33[单选题]Protestors claimed it was wrong to fire Matthew Cusick merely because he was _____.

　　A.a very good acrobat

　　B.not sick

　　C.unable to find other work

　　D.HIV positive

　　[答案]D

　　[解析]最后一段说很多文艺界人士站出来声明对艾滋病病毒携带者的歧视是不能接受的。

　　34[单选题]Cirque du Soleil officials said their top concern was _____.

　　A.regulations against job discrimination

　　B.the safety of other performers and the audiences

　　C.doing the right thing

　　D.making a lot of money

　　[答案]B

　　[解析]第三段说，马戏团的发言人申明解雇Cusick是为了保护其他人的安全。

　　35[单选题]Acrobats and gymnasts are in danger of hurting themselves in Cirque du Soleil performances because _____.

　　A.they haven't practiced enough

　　B.the equipment is in need of repairs

　　C.they perform risky acts without nets

　　D.some are HIV positive

　　[答案]C

　　[解析]第八段说，马戏团的杂技演员在表演时没有安全网，一旦受伤便会有出血的可能。因此与艾滋病病毒携带者共同演出是危险的。

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