Protective Propaganda
Jul 23rd, 2007 by Jinja
OK, if you see this virus, run like hell!
(Sihanoukville, 2001. Mouse over/click on image for translation.)
Think getting people up to speed on HIV is a challenge?
It was tough enough in Western society; attempting it in a traditional, conservative Buddhist society has led to a multiplicity of efforts.
Cambodians have been bombarded with all kinds of HIV awareness campaigns, some that are well thought out, some a little less so, like the billboard above. In the wake of 1980s socialist realism propaganda, painted message boards have remained a common means of outreach – now for nonprofits. I’ve been organizing my photos this last week, so let’s look at a few.
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From the BBC, TV screenshot of “Mr. Help“. The prior term for condom was |
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Don’t Forget Condoms To protect against HIV Above: GTZed billboard, Kampot, courtesy Temporary Dwellings. |
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Drink wine; gratify yourself with a woman; AIDS Fighting Program in Ouddar Meanchey province, funded by SEILA Program. (2003) This one seems pretty much targeted at the guys. |
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Don’t Bring HIV Into Your Home “Papa! Our hope depends on you!” (Anlong Veng, 2003) |
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| Using condoms is the most effective method to prevent the infection of AIDS! Provincial Health Department Funded by UNDP/CARERE (Siem Reap, 2001) |
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“Attractive appearance does not mean that there is no AIDS!” AIDS Fighting Program in Ouddar Meanchey province, funded by SEILA Program. (2003) |
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AIDS can kill you! AIDS is incurable! But you can protect yourself against AIDS with a condom. (Siem Reap, 2002. The rusting sign adds a feeling of of creepy decay, like the people are already sick. The sign is now (like many of these), taken down due to weathering.) |
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Have a safe drive. Protect yourself from AIDS |
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| A classic t-shirt from Khemara, PSI and Rockefeller. 2005. |
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Humoristic? Surreal? Hyper-real? Definitions are hard to apply. This kind of nonprofit art is unique and disappearing fast, though. I’ll continue to document it when I can.
Hi J, Great photos and comparison of the messages. Quite an achievement of an archive you’ve built up over the years.
I remember noticing well-designed ads for local condoms in Siem Reap a couple of years ago. They seemed geared towards women rather than men, and also focused on the “just married” market. For example, one billboard w/a photo of a pair of hands at a wedding ceremony….