I grew up going to the grocery store with my Mother and if there was a scantily clad
woman on the front cover of a magazine she would politely and matter of factly
turn the magazine over. Better to be exposed to the back side of a magazine than the back
side of a half dressed Daisy Duke. This always embarrassed me and I swore I would
never do it when I got older.
I’m finding that the “I will nevers” usually end up being a part of my life somehow. The
other day is a perfect example. I was at Barnes and Noble and was at the check out
counter with my elementary age son. We were about to pay for his summer reading books
when a magazine cover, right in front of me, caught my eye and made me do a double take.
I was in shock actually. It was Lady Gaa Gaa, clothed in nothing but bubbles. And I don’t
mean hot pink giant bubbles from the Hubba Bubba pack of gum that might actually
cover something. No, these would be clear bubbles. The kind our kids blow in the back
yard. Yeah, those kinds. Clear bubbles covering up a nekked Lady Gaa Gaa.
In a panic, I quickly redirected Mitchell back to where my Mom was and picked up the
magazine to take to the counter to share my piece of mind. What was ironic is that the
next magazine, under the one I picked up, was turned over just like my Mom used to do.
Was it proof that I wasn’t the only one who found this magazine offensive? I don’t know
but at least it debunked my theory that my Mother was the only one in the entire
Universe who ever did that kind of thing. I knew I was risking sounding extremely old
fashioned but I didn’t care. My son was just exposed to soft core pornography while
buying Magic Tree House books….with his mother!
I showed the lady behind the counter the magazine and said, “I find this highly offensive.
My elementary age son is with me and he should not have to be tempted with this at his
age in your store.” She said, “You’re right. It shouldn’t be in the front like that and I will
talk to the manager about it.” I had to wonder if the “back” of the store was any better for this magazine but I tried to at
least be thankful she heard me.
My tendency is to walk away from this situation in complete fear and disgust. But I can’t
do that. The fact is, I’m called to be in this world and to have an impact on it. Turning
magazines around, making comments to the lady behind the counter or subtlety protesting may seem insignificant but on a small scale, I did change the world…..at least the world at that Barnes and Noble, for that moment.
I guess turning into my Mom isn’t such a bad thing after all.
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