Keeping tabs on Victoria’s Secret into 2009

By: Chris Johnson

Keeping tabs on Victoria’s Secret into 2009

But first this brief review on 2008.
A brief Q and A

Q:   Did Victoria’s Secret tone down as they said they would in 2008?

A: From our perspective, there has been some toning down at the mall window level. We base that on our own observations at local malls in our area and through infrequent checks as we travel around the country. We base that on comments from folks from across the country as well.

Q: What about the annual Victoria’s Secret (CBS) Fashion Show?

A: I’ll let our synopsis from December 5 speak to that – Quoting:
“Well, last night’s lingerie show was perhaps somewhat less erotic than shows of years past. It seemed that there were fewer shots of bare bottoms “clad” only by the string of a thong; not all of the models were spilling cleavage over their barely-there lingerie. Yet the fact is: it was still a lingerie show; there was still way more skin instead of clothing – including partially bare-bottoms and breasts. The poses and the camera shots panning up the models’ bodies were all intended to foster a sexual response.

While we can be pleased by a slight lessening of the eroticism, last night’s program was far from “feminine”. There is nothing feminine in women parading half naked for the pleasure of men. Should we be satisfied if Victoria’s Secret throws a bone to those put off by their eroticism and tones things down a wee bit? Should we be happy that bare bottoms may have been shown perhaps fewer than 10 times as opposed to dozens? …”

Q: Can you share a few end of year comments from others?
On the positive side but on the action against side especially:

Email #1 –
I took my daughter to Victoria’s Secret, planning to get honeymoon
nighties, and was happily surprised to find the place not openly or
plainly erotic – but unhappily found that the things were just ugly:
plain, unfrilly, no lace, just unflatteringly skimpy or tight, and
clashing colors. Women (should, you’d think) want to look feminine and sexy, not just naked. Who’d have thought: Our town’s Victoria’s Secret was boring.
Lauren in Georgia

#2 –
Jesse out of Orem Utah and a group of protesters stood tall on several Saturdays in December – quoting their press release:

“… Many were thrilled with the CEO’s comments yet now feel it was an empty promise- maybe nothing but a publicity stunt, citing no change in the risqué nature in their ads. As woman remarked, ‘Victoria’s Secret’s ads are still not family-friendly or child appropriate.’

Most mothers in Utah Valley who were polled agreed that the outside store displays at Victoria’s Secrets aren’t even close to being child appropriate or family-friendly. Some scholars feel the lingerie giant contributes to the sexual objectification of women by advertising their bras & panties in surreal proportions with life-sized photographs.

Nationwide, families & groups are more & more speaking out & banding together to boycott the lingerie giant, until they fulfill their promise & return to their roots. …”

Thousands of concerned Utah Valley families, alone are hosting a pro-family demonstration to encourage other community citizens to make a statement. The demonstrations will take place from 1-3pm each Saturday on the corner of Univ. Pkwy. & State St. in Orem. Because mall stores that DO NOT use indecent advertisement stand to lose revenue because of those that do, tremendous pressure should be applied to stores that do. …”

Q: So Jesse and the Utah folks may not see it the same way you do?

A: No. We do see it largely the same way. We applaud very much their efforts and hope they will continue. This is an endurance race though not a sprint! We have to keep speaking up and speaking out.

There have been improvements, in my opinion, but as our friends in Utah argue: There is so much more cleaning up that needs to take place by Victoria’s Secret. I agree with Jesse. It will take more action from other voices, in more and more communities – to keep the pressure on.

If you don’t like the filth they show in your face, it is important you speak up and organize others.

Q: How are things presently at your local mall(s)?

A: I don’t think the Valentine’s Day displays are up yet which is usually one of the key sales seasons for VS where they typically elevate eroticism. Presently, what I saw yesterday was toned down in comparison to what we have seen many times.

Disclaimer:
Proceed with caution. If you are one who struggles with the “porno look” just take my word for it.

Here are a few pics from yesterday at VS at the Rivertown Crossings Mall in Grandville Michigan (a property of General Growth Properties).
https://americandecency.org/main.php?f=updates_new/2009/January/01.08a.09

In closing, what do you think?
I’d like to hear your perspective and to share it with others.
Bill
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To donate online:
https://americandecency.org/folder.php?f=donate
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American Decency Association
Bill Johnson, President
P.O. Box 202
Fremont, MI 49412
ph: 231-924-4050
https://americandecency.org

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