This
is, of course, a continuation of the theme from my previous post on propaganda
designed to warn the average solider on the dangers of venereal diseases- most specifically
gonorrhea and syphilis. In my research for a short story, I kept running across
these posters and decided to share them with whomever was interested.
This
wasn’t only meant as a warning for our fighting men though. These posters often
were found in various factories and shipyards, which had been converted over to
produce wartime goods. A paper in 1944 warned dock workers, “Four in every 100
industrial employees have syphilis… venereal disease is one of the greatest
enemies of industry. The State Federation of Labor considers it so important
that the executive board has recommended a compulsory blood test for all union
members.”
Exact
numbers of service men affected by VD is difficult to come by, but it is estimated
that during WWI gonorrhea and syphilis disabled at least 18,000 men a day. By
WWII that number dropped radically to 606 men per day. This was mostly due to
the development of the latex condom, advances in medicine, and heightened
awareness of the diseases due to propaganda.
So
sit back, relax, and take a look at what convinced your grandpa to slap on a
rubber during his time overseas. Enjoy and Caveat Emptor.
For more fun try books by Rex Hurst
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