This 1977 poster illustrates two common techniques in public health advertisements: 1) using a simple photograph of a child
to appeal to the adult viewer's sense of accountability; and 2) changing the photograph and content of the poster while
preserving the basic style and layout, frequently in an attempt to make a connection with different segments of the viewing
population. Without reading the text, this poster featuring a photograph of a smiling child might address any number of topics.
This is part of the attempt to catch the interest of viewers and encourage them to read the text. The message in the headline
introduces the issue of air pollution and speaks to the viewer in first person plural in order to create the sense that "we're
all in this together." The uncertain smile on the boy in the poster reflects the positive but generalized message that
people should do their part to fight air pollution and that their Lung Association is there to support them.
Number of Image Pages:
1 (588,997 Bytes)
Date:
1977
Creator:
American Lung Association
Source:
Original Repository: History of Medicine Division. Prints and Photographs Collection
This image may also be accessed from the Images from the History of Medicine (IHM).
Reprinted with permission c2003 American Lung Association. For more information on how you can support to fight lung disease,
the third leading cause of death in the U.S., please contact the American Lung Association at 1-800-LUNG-USA (1-800-586-4872)
or logon to the Web site at:
"We All Share the Same Air" [Environmental Health] (1977) 
High resolution version (4,758,670 Bytes)