The controversial commercial dubbed ‘usione soo’ by ISHI raised uproar recently and the government wanted to have it banned or edited as it believes the commercial contravenes Tanzanian ethical values. Do you think the move was fair?

YES. The move was fair. I am saying this because we all know that the advert was aimed at promoting the use of condoms which is one way of avoiding the HIV/AIDS infection. But the way it was presented does not in any way convince someone to stay away from the temptations which fuel promiscuity. The way the characters act, caress each other and hug encourages people to have sex. Instead of controlling the scourge, the advert rather helps to increase promiscuity.
Anna Patrick – Midwife.

YES. It was quite fair by the government to order the commercial to be edited or having it banned for good. In fact, I felt that the move could have been taken earlier. I think that the aim of the advert was good, but the way it was made, makes someone feel sick. The advert promotes the use of condoms, but why didn’t the two characters just stay apart and talk, thus telling the people the disadvantages of unsafe sex? It is quite a disgrace to watch that advert especially if you are seated with someone you respect.
Zebedayo Mbuli – Clergy.

NO. I think the government was unfair to take the step of editing the advert. I believe that the advert carried the message with sincerity and put it across well. If we want to know the reality of something, we should not try to hide the truth. We all know the present situation about HIV/AIDS and the extent of its spread. The advert shows exactly what happens and experts say that we should break the silence and speak about the scourge openly, and that is exactly what the advert does.
Belinda Matthew – Student.

YES. It was fair by the government to take the steps towards the controversial ad. Although the advert carries the message across, the culture in which it was made is not Tanzanian. Such an advert could have been more appropriate in Western countries. The problem with Africa is that we are copying directly what is happening around the world without matching it with our cultural norms. In the US or Europe, such an advert could be seen as something normal and in accordance with their culture.
Damian Kole – retired Civil Servant.


Compiled by Timothy Kitundu.