Childhood obesity—or just general obesity in America—is a really, really controversial and sticky subject on the Internet. The subject can barely be discussed in broad terms without people getting personally offended if they themselves are heavy, so I try to remain somewhat non-committal about the topic. Commenting about something that many people would consider a health matter, to others is seen as harshing on the way they look.

Do I think these PSAs are crossing a line? I don’t know. I’ll sidestep that and let you guys hash it out in the comments.

From the description on YouTube:

We can’t continue to ignore the fact that Georgia has the second highest rate of childhood obesity in the country. We must open our eyes and look around: Kids are now suffering from diseases once seen only in adults. How do we save the next generation of Georgia’s kids? Working together through long-term change. First, we must come together as a community and talk about it.

 
More after the jump…

 
A public service announcement from Dr. John. 1991.
 

 
“The safer you play, the longer you stay.”

Public service announcement from French safe sex organization AIDES is a wonderfully witty and effective way to get your message out there.

The video is an animation of a poster that can be seen in all of its glory here.
 

 
Via copyranter

 
An extremely wild Fritz the Cat style PSA about AIDS awareness set to the tune of Joan Jett’s “Bad Reputation.”  No animals were harmed while making this… I think.

 
(via Nerdcore)

 
The world’s priorities are all screwed up. My God shame on all us:

This social experiment was carried out using hidden cameras in a townhouse complex in Johannesburg. Don’t condone violence by doing nothing. If you or anyone around you is experiencing domestic abuse please call the POWA helpline on 083 765 1235 or visit http://www.powa.co.za Counseling services and support is available.

 
From a YouTube commenter: “This is a great commercial, but it sort of makes me want to buy a gun to protect my kids. And I don’t even have kids.”

 
James Lipton says, “Before you text, give it a ponder.”
 
Give it a Ponder: Things to Ponder Before a Text Message
 
(via HYST)