What comes to mind at the mention of New York City – Broadway, skyscrapers, the Statue of Liberty or even Sept. 11. Those are probably the most common ideas associated with the city of dreams, NYC. What many of us do not know, or at least acknowledge, is a city of disease, HIV.
In fact, AIDS is the third leading cause of death in New York City. The Associated Press says that within the next 25 years it will be the same worldwide, right up there with strokes and heart disease.
Currently, there are nearly 100,000 New Yorkers living with HIV, reports CNN.com. This is a number with which most, if not all, are unfamiliar. That means that somewhere along the line of sex education, word of mouth and common sense – the message has been lost.
Taking into consideration today’s trends, the NYC Health Commissioner has created something unusual: New York City’s official condom. That’s right, these little life-saving rubbers will be packaged with nifty wrapping, in hopes that citizens might be more inclined to think twice about unprotected sex. One idea even suggests a map of city subways on the exterior of the wrappers – a map, and perhaps a pun since, more often than not, condoms are associated with safety, virginity and for men, uncomfortable awkwardness.
Thomas Frieden, the man behind the idea, says that, “brands work.” Just like advertising Abercrombie & Fitch on T-shirts or carrying trendy purses sold at insane prices, people are expected to jump at the idea.
Hopefully, the city officials say, condom use will escalate. For anyone sexually active in New York this could be a step in the right direction.
It is apparent that this is a last resort in curving the AIDS virus within the city. Having tried other approaches, such as handing out 1.5 million free condoms annually, this may be the most promising. Perhaps it’s not a bad idea?
I’m pretty sure that AIDS is not nearly as prominent here at ETSU as it is in New York City. Still, why not follow suit and create a condom with the university logo on the package? We could have little broken hearts for the emos, intersecting L and V’s for the “sisters” and some bling for the thugs.
What other tragic issues can we degrade with cultural influence? Maybe if we create a $30 brand of cigarettes, lacking genuine nicotine, and distribute it with a Dolce and Gabbana label, perhaps the popularity of cigarettes will finally fade. I can hear the Surgeon General now, “I couldn’t stop them but a brand name placebo could.”
This is where we are – tired of asking people to care about themselves. The Department of Motor Vehicles asked that operators wear their seatbelts. Now there are many laws restricting both drivers and passengers: “Click it or ticket.”
These sorts of examples go on and on with clever slogans, snappy names or threat of punishment to reinforce their use. The reinforcement is for our own health and safety but many of us only acknowledge it in these forms.
I believe that New York City’s plan will fail. The initial awe at such an idea may make the number of condoms voluntarily accepted skyrocket but once it has passed, so will any real sign of success.
Nonetheless, I am glad to see that the city still has priorities and acknowledges unprotected sex as a frequent experience of its citizens. This alone shows their care, unlike the many government, religious and school organizations which push abstinent behavior as the best scenario. Sure it’s the best, in an unrealistic world.
The change may not work but it does demonstrate positive movement. For once, I don’t believe our lust for brands will provide a cure. It’s much simpler – when we want a cure we’ll get one. Until then, my advice: if you think he/she’s spunky, cover your monkey. Just sayin’.
Agree? Disagree? Just tired of me seeing the light of print? Write me at dontpanicds@gmail.com with your opinion.

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