Adolf Hitler AIDS Commercial Video: Controversial Ads

Here’s a commercial which is sure to generate controversy; it seeks to warn people of AIDS by comparing the disease with Adolf Hitler. The point being that AIDS, like Hitler, is a mass murderer.

Understandably, some AIDS activists are not impressed. Says a spokesperson for a British organization:

“Of course there are many HIV organisations that run their own campaigns, however I think the advert is incredibly stigmatising to people living with HIV who already face much stigma and discrimination due to ignorance about the virus,” a spokeswoman for the National AIDS Trust, which co-ordinates World Aids Day in Britain, said.

“On top of this it fails to provide any kind of actual prevention message (e.g. use a condom) and may deter people to come forward for testing.

“The advert is also inaccurate because in the UK thanks to treatment HIV is a manageable condition that does not necessary lead to AIDS.”

So, what do people behind this video say of the criticism being leveled against them? Here’s a report from The Telegraph:

Hans Weishäupl, creative director of das comitee, told the Telegraph that it proposed the Hitler film after being briefed by Regenbogen e.V to come up with hard-hitting ideas.

“A lot of people are not aware that Aids is still murdering many people every day. They wanted a campaign which told young people that it is still a threat,” he said. “In Germany, Hitler is the ugliest face you can use to show evil”.

Mr Weishäupl said that the some members of the Regenbogen e.V organisation who have Aids raised concerns that the campaign could present a negative view of sufferers, but they agreed that the advert’s shock value could help prevent the spread of the infection.

The videos will be broadcast on German television stations from next week, but only after 9pm because of their sexual content.

“We worked on the campaign for free because we wanted to help out,” Mr Weishäupl said. “We have also produced versions in English and Spanish so they can be broadcast abroad, if there is interest.”

It’s hard to decide who to side with between these two opposing camps. Let’s just say that they both have valid points.

For other controversial commercials, check out the following ads: “sexist” Virgin Atlantic ad, the adultery-promoting Ashley Madison ads, and PETA’s veggie porn.

For our stories on AIDS, check out this post on Roberto Alomar.

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