Victoria’s Secret Valentine’s display – the use of whips

By: American Decency Staff

… What does this window display say about love to the impressionable young men and women (teenagers) who are viewing it? We must use a whip to show love? … How sad that VS can and does promote abuse and domination of another person, implying this is all part of showing someone love! …”

The following alarming email from one of our board members alerts us to Victoria’s Valentines window displays. Bill, We stopped in at the Grandville Rivertown Mall today to check on the VS window display. I was shocked! In one window they have a big heart outline stuck on the window with the center of it open so you can see through the glass to the product behind. Showcased inside this heart (symbolizing love) is an outfit on display. The outfit is rather skimpy and not in real good taste. It is something I come to expect from the likes of VS. What SHOCKED me is the fact that they included a whip in the display. The whip is a handle about 18″ long with probably 6-10 strands tied to the end of it that are about 12-16″ long. When I think of a big heart, and valentines day, and loving my wife, I sure do not associate a whip in there anywhere! What does this window display say about love to the impressionable young men and women (teenagers) who are viewing it? We must use a whip to show love? How sad that VS can and does promote abuse and domination of another person, implying this is all part of showing someone love! I’ll try to get back there and get a picture to forward to you. See you later – J.K. Hudsonville, MI

Contact the second largest renter of mall space in America – General Growth Properties General Growth Properties Mr. John Bucksbaum, CEO E: John.Bucksbaum@generalgrowth.com 110 N. Wacker Dr. Chicago, IL 60606 Telephone: 312-960-5000 http://www.generalgrowth.com/contact.asp A response that Mr. Bucksbaum wrote last year about this time of year. Mr. John Bucksbaum answered at least one of you in the following way: I have discussed this many times with Mr. Johnson. I have explained to him on many occasions that we don’t control Victoria Secret’s windows. We have worked on this matter with Limited and they have in my opinion dramatically changed their window approach. I was sarcastic with Mr. Johnson because I don’t believe he will ever be satisfied. If the current window is still offensive versus the previous rendition I don’t think we will ever find ourselves in agreement unless VS quits displaying their product. I fully respect that not everybody is going to agree on what is appropriate and what is not, but I am not able to censor VS in their approach to marketing. Sincerely, John Bucksbaum.

Contact Victoria’s Secret: Victoria’s Secret Stores Inc. Grace A. Nichols – President and CEO 4 Limited Parkway Reynoldsvburg, OH 43068 Phone 614-577-7000 Fax: 614-577-7047 http://www2.victoriassecret.com/html/custsrvc/contact/comments/ The Limited Leslie Wexner, CEO Three Limited Parkway Columbus, OH 43230 800-756-4449 ========================================== Let’s encourage one another and strengthen one another to be more like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 PH: 231-924-4050 www.americandecency.org

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