An account of speaking up for decency at the checkout – [be encouraged and do likewise with God’s help]

By: American Decency Staff

Dear American Decency, I am so excited that I have to tell you what happened. When I was in my local Randall’s grocery store yesterday I felt disturbed when I was going through the checkout line and read the headlines on the cover of Cosmopolitan. It said things like (I can’t remember the exact words) “Naughty Sex Tricks To Do With Your Boyfriend” (that one was in hot pink) and “How Long Should You Date a Guy Before Having Sex With Him – Finally A Real Answer.” It was right in the check-out line. I felt like it belonged in one of those sleazy liquor stores with all the other sleazy magazines. Anyway, I felt a strong conviction to voice my dismay to the store manager (like you encourage all of us to do) but immediately my mind came up with a million excuses why I could not do it that day. I felt like I was not dressed properly, my hair was a mess, I was unprepared, I had not read your recommended script for how to talk with store managers, etc., etc. Then I reasoned with myself that if I didn’t do it right then, I would not come back for a week and that hundreds or maybe even thousands of young women and children may read those damaging suggestions in the mean time. So, without thinking any more about it, on my way out I asked a lady behind the customer service counter if she was the manager. She said no but asked how she could help me. I explained my concerns about the cover of Cosmopolitan. She said she would pass my comments on to the store manager. I asked what the most effective means of voicing my concerns might be; for example, would it be more effective if I wrote a letter to the manager or national office? I was very polite and did not have to be pushy at all, just sincerely concerned. She finally asked, “Well, would you like to talk to the manager?” I said, “Yes, I guess I would,” and she went to get him. He was very nice and I politely explained my concerns. He said that he agreed with me and that whenever the photograph on the cover of Cosmo was too revealing they would put the magazines out of sight behind the customer service counter so that customers had to ask for them. He explained that Randall’s has a national contract with their magazine vendors that dictate how they display the magazines. I asked him if he had seen the current cover. He said no. I asked if I could show him. We walked through the check out lines and finally found one (thankfully, they were not plentiful). Then, to my delight and surprise I realized that the nice supervisor I first spoke with was right behind us with a stack of Cosmo’s in her arms – she was collecting them all to put out of sight behind the counter!! She seemed very happy to do so. And the manager agreed that he would not want his daughter to read that if she was in the store. When the checker who had rung me up me saw what the three of us were doing, she said, “I’m so sorry Ma’am. I thought the same thing you did about that magazine but I didn’t think I could say anything. Thank you for saying something.” The manager and supervisor also thanked me. I got the feeling that no one in that store appreciates the covers of Cosmo but that they don’t feel the freedom to say or do anything unless their customers complain. So, I learned a great lesson yesterday! I have power when I simply open my mouth politely and with sincere concern. And the respectable stores I shop in expect me to. Chances are that there are many other people who agree with my concerns but are afraid to say anything. And my clothes and hair do NOT have to be just right for me to say something! I just have to be myself. Thank you so much because it is your emails and your encouragement that provoked me – empowered me – to do this! I felt so happy after experiencing how my little effort made an immediate difference! It taught me that when we speak up and make a stand against something evil, even just a little bit, we empower others around us to do the same! We are not alone, even though we may feel like it. Thank you!!!! And keep on speaking out and teaching! Sincerely, Kathy Austin, TX

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