“… how else would Victoria’s Secret advertise their product? …”

By: American Decency Staff

Recently, I had the opportunity to be interviewed by a junior high student. Personal note: I had the opportunity to be interviewed by a junior high student in regard to things like: *** "Why do you want to censor such material as television shows like Grey's Anatomy or Desperate Housewives; why not just change the channel when its on?" *** "Shouldn't it be an individual's personal decision whether or not they want to watch a certain show or see certain campaigns in magazines?" Hello, I am a junior in high school and I am doing a project on censorship. Please understand that I mean no disrespect to your organization or cause, but am only trying to gain some insight into censorship for my language arts project. If you could answer a few questions it would be much appreciated. Question: 1) Why do you want to censor such material as television shows like Grey's Anatomy or Desperate Housewives; why not just change the channel when its on? My answer: With all due respect, to start off with here, you are using inappropriate terminology here. Censorship is defined as "prior restraint. Not permitting or allowing something to be printed or produced." Just as television networks have the freedom to produce what they do, we have the freedom of speech to inform people about the content of concerning television programs and encourage them not to watch them. Turning the channel is a bogus argument. We all live in this culture together. As our culture becomes increasingly accommodated to trashy programs and movies, it becomes acceptable. Little by little we have seen this culture, as it has become more and exposed to filth, accommodate to it, accept it and act it out. Many societal observers comment and will continue to comment upon the great spiritual and moral decline of this once decent culture. We have worked to warn people of programs like Greys and DH because they are bringing further acceptance of lewdness, unfaithfulness and degeneration. Censorship? Hardly. We are not restraining them from production and airing. Question: 2) Shouldn't it be an individual's personal decision whether or not they want to watch a certain show or see certain campaigns in magazines? My answer: Your questions seem to indicate that you would just like us to be quiet. We believe in the freedom of expression. We use our freedom of speech to urge people not to be unwise, to not fall for the foolishness, the lies that are promulgated by many television shows which are going to incredible lengths to get and keep a following – much of their efforts use sexual innuendo, immorality, lewdness – playing to the base instincts of increasingly immoral and amoral young people who sadly have no clue as to the consequences of succumbing so innocently, and yes, foolishly to the wiles of those who are trying to dumb them down and trick them into falling prey to lies. Whereby, they put down their consciences thereby opening themselves up to sex entrepreneurs who will be able to profit from their shallowness and lack of resistance to pornographic liars and sexual enticements. What great profits will be made from such ones. Question: 3) Brands like Victoria's Secret specialize on lingerie so how else would they advertise their product? Also other brands such as Hollister or Abercrombie & Fitch market their clothes towards teenagers who seem to enjoy the company's clothing. If their advertising is working, what reason do they have to stop? My answer: Even Victoria's Secret has recently announced that they are too sexy. Their advertisements have gone way too far. It is possible to advertise their wares by simply showing the product without the – in too many cases – model with hardly a stitch of clothing on in a provocative position. In regard to Hollister and A&F, just because their advertising works doesn't mean that it is ethical. Corporations like A&F take advantage of the lowering of standards and use sex to sell. They push sexual imagery as far as they can. The catalog they once sold is an excellent example – shots of full nudity, group sex. The ends don't justify the means. Question: 4) Finally, not everyone is Christian so do you think it is unfair to them to be unable to enjoy a show or book that they like just because a group of people does not agree with them? My answer: Who is holding back a non-Christian from watching or reading whatever they want? In Christian terminology, "I am a voice crying in the wilderness" – giving caring words of warning to those who are Christians and to those who are not. "Be careful little eyes what you see. Be careful little eyes what you see." For the Father up above is looking down in love so be careful little eyes what you see." It's an old children's song that parents and Sunday school teachers would teach to their kids to lovingly and kindly educate them to recognize the importance of not watching things that would displease the very One who created you and me – our God Almighty. Maker of Heaven and earth and of you and me. My Christians efforts have done nothing that I know of from hindering you in your entertainment pursuits. I would never want to forceably hinder you. That is not God's way. That isn't my way either. Out of the heart flow the issues of life. That's what the Bible says. If my heart is right, I will not want to put filth in front of my eyes. If your heart is right, neither will you …. I hope all goes with you dear, young friend. Sincerely, Bill Johnson —————————- Thank you for helping us stay in the battle for Truth and decency. https://americandecency.org/folder.php?f=donate Bill Johnson, president ———- American Decency Association Bill Johnson, President P.O. Box 202 Fremont, MI 49412 ph:231-924-4050 fax:231-924-1966 www.americandecency.org

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