Drug stores such as CVS, Rite-Aid, Wal-Mart, and Walgreens began selling sexual products (such as sensual sprays, lubricants, massage oils, “massagers”, and condoms) in 2006, and some people are very offended. Many conservative family groups, such as “One Million Moms” and the Family Research Council are protesting and boycotting these mega-chains; saying that the products are evidence of the erosion of morality and good taste in America.
These family groups worry that children will be exposed to this sexual material, and their youthful innocence will be tarnished. They are also concerned that there is no age limit to buy these items, and it will encourage underage teens to have sexual relations. Interestingly enough, the biggest taboo with these items is that most of them are aimed at female pleasure. Parents see these items as vulgar and unnecessary, even sacrilegious. Certain verses in the Bible can be interpreted to say that female pleasure is evil, and against God. These family councils (who also lead campaigns to boycott companies that advertise for risqué television shows, such as Glee) take these interpretations to heart, and have been protesting the adoption of the sexual items onto drugstore shelves ever since.
Personally, I see these changes as progressive, and optimistic. America has evolved to a point where we can openly talk about sex, and encourage healthy sexual relationships. I understand parents’ concern over children buying condoms, but I believe in safe sex, and that parents should prefer their children to buy condoms rather than be pregnant or diagnosed with an STD. These drugstores are simply making sexual use materials available to a wider audience than before, and while parents see this as the fall of morality in America, I see it as a new age of comfort and pleasure, and most importantly health.
I think this is an interesting post. I could see both sides of this controversial issue. I can see how parents would be worried about kids seeing this sexual material at a young age. Kids at that young of age are very curious about these sort of things. There is really no other way to advertise and sell these products though. In order to prevent unwanted pregnancies and STD's protection must be available for all ages wanting to engage in sexual activities. I think a good solution would be to sell protection out in the aisles, but sensual sprays, lubricants, oils, massagers, etc could be sold over the counter for ages 18 and over to buy.
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