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Surviving & Thriving: AIDS, Politics, and Culture

America Responds to AIDS

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If he doesn’t have a condom, you just have to take a deep breath and tell him to go get one, 1980s

  • Publisher(s):
    Centers for Disease Control
  • Type:
    Poster
Blue tinted photograph of an African American woman with her legs on the arm of a couch, looking at the viewer.

Focused on reaching women, this campaign presented a simple verbal strategy as the key to getting a partner on board with safer sex, along side an explicit acknowledgement of the potential embarrassment. The well-dressed women pictured here present the issue as a straightforward choice, made by women in control of their sexual lives and the actions of their partners.

Choose from the group
  • Blue tinted photograph of a white woman leaning her arm on a chair she is sitting sidewise on.
  • Black and white photograph of a white man resting his hand underneath his chin, looking at the viewer. Only his head is evident.
  • Blue tinted photograph of an African American woman with her legs on the arm of a couch, looking at the viewer.
  • Black and white photograph of a white man sitting in a chair putting on a sock.
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  • Transcription

    “If he doesn’t have a condom, you just have to take a deep breath and tell him to go get one.”

    Its not the easiest thing in the world to say.

    But these days, you have to. If you’re dating someone who doesn’t like condoms, talk before having sex. Explain how you feel. Offer to help during the awkward moments.

    And if this doesn’t work, ask yourself, is it worth the risk?

    For more information on condoms and AIDS, call 1-800-342-AIDS for answers you can count on.

    AMERICA RESPONDS TO AIDS.

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