The Magazine's Efforts to Address Safe Sex Practices
Zoo was one of the most widely read publications in America during its heyday from the late 1960s to early 1980s. It featured scantily clad women and often titillating stories about their sexual escapades, which attracted millions of male readers every month. However, it also ran articles and adverts promoting safe sex practices, reflecting a responsible editorial stance amid its provocative content. These pieces combined practical advice with the magazine's characteristic humor, aiming to educate readers while maintaining entertainment value. The goal was to help prevent venereal diseases like syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and HIV/AIDS, as well as unplanned pregnancies.
The magazine's approach was unique in that it did not shy away from discussing sensitive topics such as condoms, birth control, and sexual health. In one issue, Zoo included an advertisement for a "Safe Sex Kit," consisting of condoms, lubricants, spermicides, and instructions for using them correctly. Another article titled "How to Put On a Condom Like a Pro" provided step-by-step guidance and joked about potential mishaps. One such incident involved a man who forgot to remove his condom before entering a room full of naked people at a party. Despite being funny, the piece underscored the importance of safe sex practices and made learning how to use condoms seem less intimidating.
Zoo's efforts were commendable given the social climate at the time, when sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies were rampant but little discussed. It offered a much-needed education on prevention measures that could save lives and reduce healthcare costs. While some critics accused the magazine of hypocrisy or pandering to male desires, others recognized its contribution towards safer sex practices.
In conclusion, Zoo's efforts to address safe sex practices through entertaining articles and adverts showcased a responsible editorial stance amid its provocative content. This approach aimed to educate readers while maintaining entertainment value and contributed to reducing STI transmission rates and unplanned pregnancies.