Will You Be a Free Man or Chained Will You Be a Free Man or Chained

Contributor(s): United States Army. Social Hygiene Division The History of Medicine Division. Prints and Photographs Collection Publication: United States Army. Social Hygiene Division, 1918 Language(s): English Format: Still image Subject(s): Sexually Transmitted Diseases Public Health Genre(s): Archival Materials Posters Slides (photographs) Abstract: During the First World War, a tension developed between "social hygiene" reformers, who condemned illicit sexual behavior and emphasized education as the key to fighting venereal diseases, and more pragmatic medical officers who promoted prophylactic stations for the treatment of venereal diseases on military bases. This 1918 poster illustrates a common message promoted by social hygienists, who worked vigorously to close down red-light districts in American cities and to educate soldiers about refraining from sexual activity. The image equates venereal disease and "enslaving habits" (such as masturbation) with a loss of personal and political freedom, asking the viewing soldier whether they will choose to be free or chained by the consequences of sexual indiscretion. This strategy was part of a larger campaign to define a male sex role that was at once powerful and virile yet pure and virginal by combining a high sense of moralism with a confident masculinity. Copyright: The National Library of Medicine believes this item to be in the public domain. (More information) Extent: 1 pages NLM Unique ID: 101584655X17 (See in Profiles in Science) Profiles in Science ID: VCBBBW Permanent Link: http://resource.nlm.nih.gov/101584655X17 Archival Collection: Visual Culture and Health Posters (Profiles in Science)