Story: Sexual health

Shifting attitudes

Shifting attitudes

These venereal-disease prevention posters graphically illustrate the shift in attitudes between the 1960s and the 1980s. The first, with its warning of danger, dark colour, and single serious face, was produced in 1969. Sex and sexually transmitted diseases were no laughing matter. The second, brightly coloured poster features a group of naked cartoon men and women, and the letters ‘VD’ in large, bright yellow type.

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Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: ABQU 632 W4415 270 131/45/4 (left); ABQU 632 W4452 Box 1579 344-13-1-9 (right)

Courtesy of Ministry of Health - Manatū Hauora

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How to cite this page:

Jane Tolerton, 'Sexual health - Sexual health, 1945 to the 21st century', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/ephemera/27216/shifting-attitudes (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Jane Tolerton, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 7 Dec 2018