This image comes from a collection of anti-syphilis advertisements. These sorts of ads were not uncommon in the 1950s given that
the disease was a major concern of the American public. However, this
particular ad is distinctly different from others from the same time period. Most
notably, a brachiosaurus is not the first thing comes to mind when I hear the
world syphilis. I think it is safe to say that most people would not
immediately relate a sexually transmitted disease to a sauropod dinosaur from
the Jurassic period. That being said, the presence of the dinosaur alludes to
the seemingly ancient history of the disease. The text which reads “AS OLD AS
CREATION” provides insight into how academics, as well every day citizens
viewed syphilis at the time. The visual appeals present on the poster provide a
level of context that makes the news that “SYPHILIS IS NOW CURABLE” even more substantial.
With the intention of remarking on how old syphilis is, the use of dinosaurs in the text is a smart tactic. It shows that, finally, the age-old disease is finally curable. I agree that the choice to use dinosaurs is clever, as it catches the audiences attention.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that the dinosaur was a good choose for illustrate how ancient syphilis is. I also think the wording of the poster is also important. I imagine it to be trying to get to the religious undertones in society at the time. To mention 'creation' gives the fact that Syphilis is now curable slightly more gravity and could have enticed more conservative people to seek treatment.
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