There is a big problem with this commercial. Most teenagers – most people I expect – would see this commercial and believe it, but be unwilling to apply it’s message to their sexual partners.
Without substantial conversation, this commercial just wouldn’t influence many people’s actions. Convincing teenagers that their partners might – gasp! – lie to them, or even decline to mention something as huge as an HIV infection is a major uphill battle. This commercial doesn’t even begin to fight that battle. (Similarly, nor would simply quoting that statistical factoid to your teenager without serious follow-up.)
While I agree with you, Karen, that most people wouldn’t apply the message to THEIR partner, I find this commercial to be valuable. It is sobering, and I think it is reinforces the truth that we live with in the world today. If you are sexually active, you simply must think about STDs.
When I was young, herpes had just surfaced. Its almost comical now as I think back on what a scourge we thought of it, simply because once you had it, you couldn’t get rid of it. Herpes seems so harmless now; in fact, most people DO have it. (can’t think of where I recently saw that statistic)
I understand your concerns, Karen, but I think this is a decent commercial.
July 12, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
Honestly, I think it’s a really great commercial anyway. The message is so straightforward and the couple is so convincingly in love.
July 13, 2007 @ 10:09 pm
Although now that I think of it, you have a point–no way would I apply that message to MY partner.
July 14, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Alice, its interesting that you say the couple is so “convincingly” in love. I think it is clear they are infatuated with each other, but that has nothing to do with love. That’s one of the great lies of our culture.
July 16, 2007 @ 5:27 pm
I agree, Ruth. My perception of this couple is that they’ve known each other anywhere from 1 hour – 2 weeks and are in the full-blown stage of hormonal attraction. That is a really fun thing to feel, but it does not equal love. In GREAT relationships, I think love can grow from this, but much more often, it is a temporary physical attraction that does not support a committed loving relationship. Helping our children understand that these are really two different things is the main task to helping them make healthy decisions for themselves around sexuality.
July 17, 2007 @ 6:16 am