Write a letter

This was originally posted on Dr. Laura's site (www.drlaura.com), under her Activism center - call to action. She has some really good info on there. This kind of touched home with me because everywhere you look these days, the media and big corporations are trying to sexual our children. It's rediculous to go to a major mall and have to walk by the Victoria's Secret window displays with my children. Victoria's Secret sells pajamas and other things, but their window displays are always showing their most provocative underwear sets. Everyone knows they have stuff like that, do they really need to display it all in their front windows? I know they're trying to make it more "mainstream", but it's really annoying. I have nothing against sexy underwear, but my kids don't need to see it. Okay, thanks for letting me rant. Check out this latest call to action. Maybe if we would all take some time to send an email or letter and let companies know how we feel, it could make a difference. Maybe.


"Reduce The Pornification Of Our Children
Let Urban Outfitters Know!


Recently, Patti was shopping in Urban Outfitters and noticed their t-shirts and novelties. Let Urban Outfitters know you are outraged!

October 9, 2007

Dear Urban Outfitters Executives,

I noticed tonight that you sell a t-shirt with the lovely slogan, "Respect Your Mother" so I hope that you will be willing to consider and respect the opinion of a mother who, sadly would like to send all of you Urban Outfitter executives to your room without supper.

As a matter of fact, what I have to say to you Urban Outfitter executives could be summarized in the words of many a mother before me: "Take Out the Trash!"

I was in your store this evening-and I must complement you on your polite and helpful employees, brightly lit displays and comfortable clothing. My son likes your clothing and I want to continue to shop there! But you disappoint me, dear Urban executives.

On the one hand, I see that your company is trying to help kids. You're working in concert with the Art of Elysium to enrich the lives of hospitalized children through art.

On the other hand, I see that you are contributing to the "pornification" of America with t-shirts like these: (A tshirt with a picture of a young girl eating something and her shirt says can't cum)


If you Urban execs were my children, I'd ground you for a month--um, make that a year. The sad thing is that 10 or 15 years ago, you'd have had to go to an X-rated store or sleaze shop to find a shirt like this. Now, you sell it, without apparent shame, out in the open, in a store that caters to young teens and adults.

Let's ignore for now the cute little savings bank with the wholesome-looking kid with a football and the caption, "I'm savin' up for some good weed! Touchdowns are for losers! The only thing I want to score is some good drugs."


Or the cute little "1,000 Drinking Games" game you sell...


or some of the other lovely merchandise in the same vein.


Your employee told me that you don't put this kind of merchandise in stores such as the new one you are opening in Salt Lake City. But you do think it is okay to put this kind of sleaze in stores in my neighborhood. Perhaps I should take up a collection to buy some of those "good cum" t-shirts for the young sons and daughters of Urban Outfitter executives as a way of saying thank you.

On second thought, I'm too busy raising kids to fund-raise just now, but I'd like to personally thank you, Urban Outfitter executives, for contributing to a world in which sex means less and less to younger and younger children, in which getting high is portrayed as better than having the grit, hard-work and discipline to excel in sports and a society which young people are encouraged to drink to excess for sport. Thank you, dear Urban Outfitter execs, for making our world just a little bit more crass and sleazy a place so that you can make a few bucks.

I can only hope that all of you Urban Outfitter executives who are making money selling this sleaze to my children will have the joy of seeing your own children embrace the philosophies espoused by your merchandise beginning in their early teens...or whatever young age they happen upon one of your stores. On second thought, I don't wish that upon you or your kids.

I just hope that in some moment of quiet reflection, you will realize that your children are going to live in the world you are helping to create.

Sincerely,

Patti*,
A Very Disappointed Mom

* - entire name withheld from website.

Contact Info:
Urban Outfitters Direct
30 Industrial Park Blvd. Trenton, SC 29847

Customer Service (800) 959-8794
Open from 8am - 8pm, Monday - Friday

Fax (800) 959-8795"