Dear Sir/Madam,
MAGAZINE STOCKING AND DISPLAY POLICY, ASDA FOLKESTONE
I write as a parent to complain in the strongest possible terms about what I am told is a national policy for magazine stocking and display in Asda stores.
Asda Folkestone has a deserved reputation as a family-friendly store which I visit regularly with my children aged 6 and 4. However, I was distressed to see a pornographic magazine prominently displayed near the entrance. I enclose photographs of the magazine ‘Nuts’ – I do not, by the way, accept the classification of this magazine as a ‘lads mag’ and therefore not pornography.
Both my children are intelligent and literate enough to be adversely affected by seeing pornographic magazines on display. The front cover displayed is invasive to their innocence and violates their normal gradated development of sexual awareness.
I would add that even if no children were in the store, I would still personally find this kind of magazine offensive and wholly out of place in a supermarket. The imagery, which is plainly designed to stimulate male sexual fantasy and arousal, is grossly degrading and devaluing to women.
My initial complaint to the duty manager in store was courteously handled and the magazine was relocated behind another title. However, I was informed that the presence and prominence of the magazine is a national policy. If that is the case, I seek urgent alteration of that policy and a firm assurance from you that this title and others like it will be removed permanently from your stores.
Thank you for your considered response to my complaint.
Matt Clifton
As a 27 year old WOMAN reader of this magazine, I can state that its not Pornography in any way shape or form. Would you class the M&S adverts for their lingerie as porn also and forbid your child for seeing them? After all, it is still a woman dressed only in underwear and these ads are often aired in primetime slots.
I would suggest taking some time to note down all adverts of the same kind and seeing which ones you would class as porn – you may be surprised to see what your children are regularly confronted with that you had not noticed before.
One a side note, I buy this magazine when I do my shop at Asdas, along with Loaded – if it is permanantly removed, I would hope that the Financial Times, Daily Express, The Times and Daily Mail are all removed also. I am deeply offended by Politically-led opinions and would rather not be affronted with this kind of reading material when I enter the store….(See? Works both ways…)
I have to agree with matt,as i too have children, i would not like them to see these disgusting mags,i think they should either be banned or shoved under a counter so the innocent children cannot see them,if MEN want them,then they should ask for them,woman should complain about all the filth going around, its not fair to us and it is also down right degrading towards us,not every woman likes going around naked.