In this ad, the copy, which reads “Who said you can’t have it both ways,” refers explicitly to both “play[ing] it safe” with condoms and having “a great time” with “great sex.” Of course, implicitly, it also means not choosing between black and white women. Women are, in the subtext, objects to “have” and black and white women are very different kinds of objects. 
Comments 4
Will — December 26, 2008
I thought "have it both ways" meant you can have bizarre, terrible art, and a ridiculous message, all at once.
Village Idiot — December 26, 2008
Hmm, I thought maybe "...have it both ways" meant that one of those women was actually a guy in drag.
The ad also says "Everyone has to play it safe these days..." which makes me wonder... Does everyone periodically pick up an intoxicated party-bot or two (whether male or female) at clubs for one night stands? And how does a layer of latex that's "thin enough to never get in the way" make such behavior "safe?" Do these condoms stop someone from slipping some Rohypnol in your cocktail? There's plenty more to worry about in that context than catching something or pregnancy...
Whatever. It's a terrible ad. Sex and sexual imagery, (often quite explicit) are used to sell every product imaginable, but for a product that is expressly made for sex to be marketed with what looks like the work of a comic book artist in training is just bizarre, like an intentionally-missed opportunity (of sorts).
hyrax — December 26, 2008
I think I'd somehow think the blonde woman wanted both of them, that her and her gf could have sex with each other AND a guy somehow? I think it would make more sense with two men an a woman though, ie 'have it both ways' meaning a bisexual guy protecting all of his partners.
Bea Moreira — December 26, 2008
Wow. When I looked at this, it took my breath away. I'm feeling a bit naive, as if I should be used to it already. But OH MY! Calling it creepy is putting it mildly.