A parent and media groups have labeled an HIV awareness video as ‘disgusting’ and ‘degrading’.
Featuring animated action hero figures, the video stars GI Jonny and Captain Bareback, and includes explicit references to unconventional sexual practices alongside messages about safe sex.
This controversy regarding the video emerged on the same day it was reported that the BBC is contemplating a reduction of its workforce by 2,800 employees, which amounts to 12 percent of its staff.
The video is part of an interactive online campaign targeted at those aged 16 to 24, developed by BBC Learning in collaboration with the sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust. The BBC contends that the viral advert is intended for individuals over 18, although it does not carry any warning.
Margaret Morrissey, from the National Confederation of Parent Teachers Associations, stated, “I’m no Mary Whitehouse but this is just disgusting. I think the BBC needs to have a long hard look at itself if it thinks this is the best education it can provide for our teenagers with licence payers’ money.”
David Turtle, the national spokesman for the campaign group Media Watch UK, commented, “This film is degrading to women and promotes casual sex while normalizing certain types of sexual behavior.
There is no indication of a loving relationship in this film. It is highly irresponsible of the BBC.”
In defense of the film, Genevieve Clark, a spokeswoman for the Terrence Higgins Trust, mentioned, “It’s clear that we need new ways to convey safer sex messages to young people, one in nine of whom has chlamydia.
We know that light-hearted viral campaigns like this can effectively communicate more serious messages.” A spokeswoman for the BBC added, “GI Jonny is an interactive online campaign aimed at young heterosexuals who face an increased risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, yet exhibit high levels of complacency regarding these diseases.”
