The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation recently released an odd and unsettling advertisement for Mpox vaccinations. In their social media post, they claimed that “family comes first,” even though the ad has absolutely nothing to do with families. Instead, it focuses on HBO’s Dashaun Wesley, known as the “King of Vogue,” and his experience with the Mpox vaccine.
Mpox, originally known as “monkeypox,” is primarily a sexually transmitted disease that has been mostly spread among men who have sex with other men (MSM). The CDC Foundation’s ad seems to specifically target this demographic in a stereotypical manner. However, it is important to note that this is not representative of all gay men, as many would not relate to the fashion and style presented in the ad.
Despite having a large following of almost 150,000 people, the CDC Foundation’s post only received 31 likes. This could be due to the fact that their audience found the ad bizarre and bizarre, rather than informative or engaging. One user even commented, “What a weirdo,” suggesting that the ad missed the mark in its attempt to reach its intended audience.
According to the CDC, Mpox is a potentially serious disease that belongs to the smallpox family. Symptoms of Mpox typically include a rash and flu-like symptoms that can last for two to four weeks. The available Mpox vaccinations have been known to cause side effects that are similar to those of the flu.
Family comes first. That’s why we teamed up with the king of vogue @DashaunWesley and his ballroom family to share the facts about the #mpox vax. He got his first shot but didn’t know about the second one. Did you? #mpoxisnow
Beats by @TheOnlyMikeQ pic.twitter.com/NbijWmCZ37
— CDC Foundation (@CDCFound) April 23, 2024
The CDC Foundation’s choice to feature Dashaun Wesley in their ad may stem from his reputation as the “King of Vogue.” However, many have pointed out that his presence in the ad seems out of place and does not add any credibility to the message. It appears that the ad may have strayed too far from its intention of promoting vaccinations and instead became a bizarre and confusing spectacle.
It is important for organizations like the CDC Foundation to carefully consider their audience and message when creating advertisements for public health initiatives. While the intention may have been to use Wesley’s celebrity status to raise awareness and encourage vaccination, the execution fell short. Ultimately, such ads should strive to educate and inform the public rather than confuse and intimidate them.
Meet Joe Biden's monkeypox czar: a "progressive, radical gay" doctor who performs HIV screenings in sex clubs and gives meningitis shots in drag. Now he's in the White Househttps://t.co/sfQjvA8JQ9
— Dylan Housman (@Dylan_Housman) September 8, 2022
In conclusion, the recent CDC Foundation advertisement for Mpox vaccinations is indeed the “world’s weirdest” and has left many scratching their heads. Its attempt to appeal to gay men, while potentially well-intentioned, has led to a strange and unrelatable production. In the future, it is crucial for organizations to carefully consider their audience and message when creating public health advertisements. Otherwise, they may risk losing the trust and support of those they are trying to reach.