With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
New Billboards Portray A Fiery Hell In Which We All Have Syphilis
You've probably become accustomed to the AIDS Health Foundation's last syphilis billboard, featuring an embarrassed bear and the statistic that California ranks second when it the country when it comes to most syphilis. Their new billboard, however, is much more dramatic. It kind of looks like it would work better as the cover of a book about people left behind after the Rapture or a SyFy original about a volcanado or something. It's got some seriously apocalyptic graphic design, spelling out 'Syphilis Explosion' over an image of an erupting volcano. There is also a video where "In the Hall of the Mountain King" bombastically plays over footage of explosions and reported increases in syphilis cases by city. Portland, apparently, has allegedly seen an 895 percent increase in cases of syphilis between 2008 and 2012. That's a mind-boggling amount of syphilis. It doesn't mention how much Los Angeles has increased in the video.
The ads are meant to encourage people to check out freeSTDcheck.org, which will help you get tested for STDs and, if you have syphilis, get treated. Obviously, getting tested is not a bad idea, and according to this graph from the California Department of Public Health, syphilis is, in fact, on the rise—particularly among men. Oddly enough, syphilis isn't even one of the 'burning' STDs. The CDC lists a burning feeling during urination for men and women who contract chlamydia and gonorrhea, but early signs of syphilis include painless bumps, rashes and flu-like symptoms. You can read all the symptoms of various STDs here.
Now, there's no evidence indicating whether or not the billboards are actually encouraging people to get tested. Dale R. Gluth, the regional director of the Bay Area AHF, told SF Weekly that the campaign is too young to tell. SF Weekly also pointed out that the billboards kind of look like the cover of Dianetics.
Support for LAist comes from
So, what do Angelenos think about this syphilis explosion billboards? Has anyone been inspired to get tested? We checked Twitter.
Meanwhile in Los Angeles #LosAngeles #syphilis #explosion pic.twitter.com/r8e9SoeahM
— Effie (@constantlyeffed) December 2, 2014
People say it's hard to get in a festive spirit in LA, but these STD awareness billboards that say "Syphilis Explosion" are doing it for me.
— Joseph Scrimshaw (@JosephScrimshaw) November 29, 2014
Well, there we have it. Stay safe, Los Angeles.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The historic properties have been sitting vacant for decades and were put on the market as-is, with prices ranging from $750,000 to $1.75 million. -
Users of the century old Long Beach wooden boardwalk give these suggestions to safely enjoy it. -
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol.
Best of LAist