Will You Be a Free Man or Chained

Will You Be a Free Man or Chained

This poster, released by the Social Hygiene Division (Army Educational Commission) was designed to spread awareness about venereal disease. This particular poster promotes the message of the social hygienist; these reformers viewed sexual indiscretion and habits such as masturbation as "enslaving habits," associating them with a loss of freedom. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, venereal disease was regarded as the product of rapid city growth, increases in immigration, and changes within the American family. Physicians began to realize that breaking the silence over this issue would play a significant role in its eradication. During World War I, posters were used to open a dialogue and encourage action. Films, pamphlets, and lectures were also used, but posters such as these proved particularly effective. Not only were they less expensive, but their eye catching graphics could communicate the message more quickly and appeal to a broad range of people. The messages on these posters emphasized the link between patriotism and health. Frightening symbols, together with depictions of "loose women" were intended to inspire changes in behavior. There were two types of reformers: those who focused on "social hygiene" (who condemned such sexual behavior and focused instead on education) and more progressive types who instead promoted prophylactic measures.

Social Hygiene Division Army Educational Commission

1918

https://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/visualculture/images/a018548.jpg

Link: U.S. National Library of Medicine

Source: Visual Culture and Public Health Posters. (n.d.). U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved Oct 24, 2012, from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/visualculture/venereal.html

U.S. National Library of Medicine

U.S. National Library of Medicine

Medium: Poster

English

Posters

Social Hygiene Division, Venereal Disease, Diseases, World War I, Campaign, Public Health

United States