We've had a long break from posting over the summer holiday period, but are back with a vengeance with a post on this advert:
Recently aired on British television, this advert encapsulates the common assumptions about male and female relationships in the 21st Century, highlighting the kind of behaviour patterns people commonly display. Put aside the verbal commentary and consider for a moment the visual presentation of the scene:
- the girl stays awake after sex worrying about the broken condom while the boy snores contentedly and without a care in the world.
- the girl reflects on and worries about the consequences of the situation without the apparent presence of the boy - 'I'm not ready for that one.'
- the girl takes responsibility for the consequences of the situation by going to the chemist without having the boy beside her.
- even the person who gives a kind and reassuring look from behind the pharmacy counter is a woman - no man in the vicinity.
What does the advert project?
On the one hand, that boys are unconcerned, unthinking, irresponsible and absent when it comes to sexual relations with girls. They do not care as long as they can find sex and for goodness sake don't ask them for committment.
On the other hand, that a girl must be pretty stupid to think that only because she jumps into bed with a boy means that he will love her.
The advert is a great springboard for a potential presentation that explores these assumptions and gets to the reality of the issue.
Nevertheless, thank goodness that somebody somewhere is taking the initiative to make us aware of the possibility of using the day after pill to deal with accidents during sex. So the overall message is: girls and boys wake up! Girls know your bodies the intentions of the boys who you want to be with and boys know your responsibilties to yourself and your girls before and after sex.
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