Harps Grocery Store

So, apparently last night there was a shopper, JennHudd, that tweeted out this photo she took at Harps, a grocery store in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Apparently US Weekly's cover shot of Elton John, his partner, and baby is just too shocking for children. They claim that several customers complained about this cover, and so it was "censored". Now, Harps has over 60 locations in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri and all of a sudden everyone is protesting them by calling in and complaining. Last I had heard, Harps took the covers off...

I, as a parent, would have to support the store in their decision to cover the magazine. But also, I think that EVERY racy cover tabloid or magazine should be censored. We parents know the difference between right and wrong. We have all had different (or the same) beliefs and morals taught to us. Then again, some of you may not have had anything. Either way, we are adults. We make our own decisions, and we instill these beliefs and morals to our children. Whether it be to hate people of color or different religions. Or whether it be to not follow an organized religion. Some of you believe in gay marriage, some don't. Some believe that there is no other right way besides their own religion, some don't. Some of you believe that sex is just something you do to populate the world! Others believe that virginity is the most important thing, and should only be given up on your wedding night. These are just a few of many things we as parents decide on whether or not to teach our children about! And some of the few beliefs that we teach our children. 

Now the point is, we are all different!! We all grew up differently. We all believe differently. We all parent differently! But just like everyone complains about how this "censor" is wrong, stores should respect the customers that are complaining as well. Or what? Do they not count? Just because they don't agree with being "out and proud" or "same-sex marriages/families" they don't get a say in anything? We have to consider everyone's point of view on this. And if you don't have a problem with your kids seeing this stuff, then take the magazine out and purchase it, or show your child. And some of you say "Well, why does it even have to be hidden in the first place?" Well, maybe because not everyone shares your same belief! Just because you accept it does not mean that the person standing next to you does! So if not everyone can agree, why not put the cover over the magazine? Let the customer chose what they will or will not allow their families to see. It's called COMPROMISES people!!

I personally don't want my daughter seeing any of those magazines. Whether it be same-sex couples or some girl in a tiny bikini. She's still only just 11 months, BUT I feel that her growing up seeing those things or even reading the magazines at such a young age would start to push her into a certain direction that I don't want her going. Materialism, experimentation, eating disorders, and low self-esteem. I will teach her tolerance and acceptance because God tells us to LOVE everyone. BUT, I refuse to tell her that it is right. And that is my choice! You can hate on me all you want, but I have friends that are gay or lesbians and I love them. I have had some of my greatest times with them! But, not once have I agreed with their lifestyle choice. And they still LOVE me regardless of my opinion. ACCEPTANCE! 

Now, I want to teach my daughter our beliefs and then when she is old enough to make decisions for herself can she start making her own choices about them. If she decided that my way is not for her, or that she does not agree with our beliefs any longer then I won't stop her from branching out. I won't stop her from reading or being curious about other things. At that point, I can only help guide her and pray for her. But that is a good while from now I hope...

Lately (by that I mean the past couple of years), it seems like the less clothes the better. The more flamboyant the person the better. The more screwed up the person, the better! Especially with everyone being more open, liberal, and with people wanting more drama and scandal than anything else! It is making it hard for magazines to NOT go in that direction. So when it's published and you see it in magazines at the grocery store, it makes it harder for parents who don't want their children seeing these things to keep them from seeing it. Magazines, books, movies, TV shows, ads, commercials! It's EVERYWHERE! Therefore, it means I will have to start dealing with these issues A LOT sooner than I should. And being a mom, this is frightening to me. 

So, I would like to just say thank you to Harps Grocery store for trying to respect the customers that complained. Thank you! There are very few stores out there that would have done this. And to the customers or people that DON'T agree with the cover being taken off, and feel that it should be kept on. CALL THE STORE AND RESPECTFULLY PUT IN YOUR COMPLAINT. Tell them you want the censorship back or boycott the store itself. DO NOT let people make you feel as if your voice does not count, just because you don't agree with them!