I started taking a look yesterday at AIDS awareness/prevention campaigns from different countries. Take a look, it’s interesting to see ads from other countries in comparison to the U.S. What’s been most troubling is that in the U.S., where the epidemic is increasing in high numbers, concern about the disease is decreasing. Hopefully Obama’s new initiative will bring a greater emphasis on the issue. In comparison to foreign ads, the advertisement from Obama’s new campaign is less sexualized. Though it still plays on the emotionality of a devastating situation, it drives the point home without engaging in the distraction of nudity or explicit sexuality. That leaves me with hope for the 5-year initiative.

Switzerland ‘06 - Tagline: “No action without protection”

Germany ‘06 - Tagline: “It’s easy to lose your head when you’re horny”

France ‘07 - Tagline: “Without precautions, it’s with AIDS that you’re making love”

Scotland ‘07 - Tagline: “They would talk about HIV status but Ken’s got his mouth full”

France ‘08 - Tagline: “Explore. Just protect yourself.”

America ‘09 - Tagline: “AIDS is DC’s Katrina”