Part 1: Act 3, Scene 3 Summary

In the first part of this split scene, Louis is talking to Belize about the flaws of the American political system. He says that AIDS reveals the limits of the principle of tolerance, on which their democracy is based. America is different from Europe, because its society is so diverse and riddled with the issues arising from this diversity. He admits that there is still a prejudice in favor of white male heterosexuals. In Britain, he says, people see racial difference for what it is, but in America, race is simply a political issue and part of the power structure. This means that politics, not spirituality, is at the core of American culture.

Belize is uncomfortable and tries to excuse himself. He confesses that he is just letting Louis go on because he understands that Louis's mood stems from...