German Ads Warn That Sex With Hitler Will Give You AIDS / Unbridled Pleasure

A series of German ads set to run in anticipation of World AIDS Day is stirring up controversy by likening the disease to dictators with a penchant for murder / tacky art work such as Joseph Stalin, Saddam Hussein and, most notably, Adolph Hitler. 

The television ad features a couple having sex, turning to reveal the man as Adolph Hitler along with the words “AIDS is a mass murderer.” More like an ass murderer! High five! A series of print posters will also feature Stalin (’Cuz I Don’t Wanna Finish Right Away) and Hussein (In The Membrane) in similar poses, also with naked women.

Critics of the ads fear that they do more to vilify those afflicted with HIV and AIDS than bring attention to the disease itself. Other have also called out the campaign’s lack of information about means of preventing AIDS as a failing.

An additional problem we have with the ads, personally, is that it renders women victims of the disease and uses scintillating images of female nudity to draw attention to (or distract from, depending on how it grabs you) whatever public health warning the ads seek to impart. Plus, you know. We’re fairly certain the ads’ intent was not to make us laugh out loud at the office when they first popped up on our screen. Or make us wonder whether Hitler was indeed a passionate and tender lover who could make a woman moan in ecstasy. 

Plus, hi. No Pinochet? No Trujillo? Come on, y’all. Be a little more inclusive in your misguided attempts at fear-mongering / implementing public health initiatives. 

Romping Hitler Aids ad criticised [BBC]