Tony's Diary Package — page 124

1ind? not -_ So now expert is the new sexy, from the specs to the striped socks -- immunology the new rock 'n' roll. We all feel it, that swoon of relief when Fauci begins to speak, but here's an idea: Let's not succumb. Let's all take a deep, socially distanced breath and choose to resist complimenting the person who very possibly stands between 328 million Americans and complete disaster by granting him an accolade he would share with Chris Hemsworth (no offense, man). Resist the desire to "humanize" the head of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases by asking him for dating advice or make him more "accessible" by tarting him up with some pop culture makeover. You think I'm overreacting? There's already a bobblehead, a late-night fan club, a prayer candle and socks; can a reality show be far behind? Because that's how it works when you start slinging around the term "sexy." Sexy sells and this economy is going to need some fast, hot sales in the near future. Who wouldn't tune in to see Fauci judge which contestant comes up with the best COVID-19-preventing protocols? But if life is really going to look different in the coming months, let's begin with this. Let's not make Anthony Fauci a rock star. Because he doesn't need to be a rock star. He needs to be what he is -- a physician and expert immunologist who emerged from the AIDS crisis with a unique understanding of the relationship among science, humanity and public policy. A man with the near-miraculous power to separate his ego from his mission, to bring science to an avowedly anti-science presidential administration, to express expertise in front of a president who doesn't believe in experts. Let's not destroy that highly delicate balance by dragging sexy into it. Unlike his late-night fans, or his president, for that matter, Fauci does not need to be concerned with television ratings. Wouldn't it be nice if it stayed that way?