Ads in public places
I have nothing against Sunny; I think the woman is amazing. As far as the MLA is concerned, I guess he may not be aware of the history of our culture, and may not have visited places like Khajuraho, which has very aesthetically painted art depicting the same.Neetu Sharma, HoD, Acharya Bangalore B School‘These may not educate directly’This is purely reflective of the mindset of our country’s people. He added, "What are these ads telling Goans. They should also be educating women about contraception, female condoms and more.A Goa legislator on Tuesday demanded a ban on condom advertisements, featuring actress Sunny Leone, on buses operated by the state transport corporation, saying it "shames us". How can lawmakers not support a sexually healthy population and dissemination of information about safe sex via condom ads?
In the name of Indian culture, these so-called flag bearers of tradition are compromising the health of current and future generations. And, it promotes safe sex, which in many ways is quite useful to the society. But when lawmakers themselves raise objections to ads that promote safe sex, can it be pushed further?We ask sex educators, feminists and political thinkers about their views on family planning, protection, and safe sex ads in public spaces.. The advertising should be in good taste though. In India, it is still awkward to talk about safe sex. There are better ways to educate people about condoms. If there is nothing wrong in advertising those products, there is nothing wrong in condom ads either.
There is no shame to be considered when we know that pregnant women can pass on STDs to their babies, resulting in many severe complications. Let’s first get comfortable with the idea of discussing it, and not just tantalising the entire point. This translates into more awareness and resultant sexual responsibility. If you were to ask me, Sunny Leone would be the perfect ambassador for a condom ad, because she is considered to be an erotic diva and a sex symbol. And as far as TV ads are concerned, it should be dealt with little more subtlety, and not in-your-face raunchiness. We use toothpaste, talcum powder and underarm deodorants. Probably the next step by politicians would be to deport Sunny Leone to some remote island far away from India. These ads, or even a few celebrities endorsing these commercials, may not really educate the people directly, but would help create awareness about safe sex to a certain extent. Are they detrimental to the society, or do they actually encourage safer sex?Varnika Sharma, Creative Director, India Intimate Fashion Week‘The ads are merely means to drive focus’It is regressive to be imposing such a ban when we live in a country where sex education and contraceptive awareness are very critical."Condom ads in public places, like buses and hoardings where everyone can see, however, may be a way to educate the masses about safe sex. Venugopal R, ad man and writer‘Sunny is the perfect ambassador for a condom ad’A condom ad is a condom ad, and like every ad, it gives a customer the power of choice. But I would again like to say that having condom ads in public places must be encouraged, but not in this objectified manner. Goans use the bus. Students use buses. Ads in public places have a larger audience whether it is on the side of a bus or on an elevator door. As long as sex is practiced by society, condoms are relevant and should be advertised.
That puts them in a very confused state of mind. And until you initiate that conversation, we will still remain in the dark ages. As lawmakers, it is important to focus on facilitating an environment that promotes responsible sexual behaviour instead of opposing it.. But when you have condoms portrayed in such sexualised manner, the impression that kids get about the whole act of sex is entirely wrong.. The advertisements are merely means to drive attention and focus towards safe and responsible sex, and the politicians should understand this simple fact. But the thing is, we usually advertise condoms in a very sexualised and objectified manner, and that’s exactly why there’s Sunny Leone in the ad — that’s a problem.
Abhimanika Tavi, former Mrs India, South‘TV ads should be dealt with a little more subtlety’I don’t really know why the MLA had to say that but I don’t agree with him at all. There shouldn’t be a ban China Freight elevator Manufacturers on these advertisements. Maybe we can single out places for the hoarding ads, like near slum areas, where there is a need for awareness.Anu PD, fashion designer‘can’t compromise on health in the name of indian culture’Although sex may be considered taboo, people are clearly having it in abundance. Vaishnavi Sundar, filmmaker‘there are better ways to educate people about condoms’You take the ads away from buses, public places and then what’s going to happen? I don’t understand why people have to keep kids away from what is important to them at that age; it’s not only about condoms. Safe sex predominantly supports a woman’s choice to have a baby or not, apart from preventing the spread of STDs among all genders. Apart from this, I strongly object to any visual pollution at the public places or transport.
