Dedham Mom Wants Urban Outfitters 'Graphic' Books Moved
Dedham Police say the books do not violate a local bylaw against indecent images.
When Ann Hunnewell walked into Urban Outfitters in Dedham for the first time with her daughter last week, she was taken back by the collection of sex-themed books for sale.
"This is what 13-year-old girls are exposed to? I was just shocked," Hunnewell said in a phone interview Friday. "[Urban] should take responsibilty in deference to their teenage customers."
Ideally, Hunnewell said she would like to see the books - with titles like Sex Tips for Girls By Guys - removed. But she knows that's a long shot.
"The books should be in an adult section of the store," she said. "What really bothered me was they were disguised [in a Valentine's Day display]."
Hunnewell called Urban Outfitters' corporate headquarters in Philadelphia and wrote a letter explaining her concern with the books displayed with more age-appropriate titles that visually appeal to young teens.
"I am not in favor of censorship, but I really would like to be able to let my daughter walk into Urban Outfitters without worrying that her young mind is bombarded with hard core sex disguised with hearts and pink flowers," she wrote.
Urban Outfitters senior store communications manager Tracey Strober submitted a response to Hunnewell, stating that they would look into their "collection," according to an email provided to Dedham Patch.
"I have shared your comments with our Senior Buyers, Chief Merchandising Officer and our Executive Director of Stores for their consideration. We appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns," Strober stated.
While Hunnewell can spread the message to other mom's of young teenagers through a newly created Facebook page - with 84 supporters through Friday morning - Dedham Police said the books don't violate a local bylaw.
Dedham's police regulations ban "visual displays of sexual conduct" including "still pictures or other photographic reproductions."
Despite a book titled Position of the Day with an illustration of two people having sex, Chief Michael d'Entremont stated, "The [police department] does not see a violation of the by law [sic]."
D'Entremont added that police on't believe the store falls under a licensed premises regulated under the bylaw.
And parents raising issues about graphic material at Urban Outfitters is nothing new to Legacy Place management.
"We keep it out of the windows on display [...] so it's not in public view," said Beth Winbourne, general manager of Legacy Place.
Other stores at the outdoor shopping center sell clothes for young teens, and could be better options for parents if they want their children to avoid seeing sex-themed gifts, Winbourne said in an interview.
"We are cognizant of our image, our presentation, and people feeling safe here is very important," Winbourne said.
Urban Outfitters has dealt with similar complaints from parents in the past at other locations, and parents might want to know what types of items the store sells, Winbourne said.
Hunnewell's goal now is to make sure parents like her are aware of that reputation.
"I understand their marketing. But I also want my daughter to be able to walk into that store without being bombarded ith graphic images," she said.
Avon Barksdale
10:54 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
Yes of course, the scariest thing about the massive mega-corporations (which continue to flatten local businesses nationwide as we skip toward retail by monopoly) that we need to protect our children from is sexually suggestive window displays.
Barbara Wilson Arboleda
10:54 am on Monday, February 6, 2012
Their attitude also demonstrates contempt in regard to the fact that everyone knows teens frequently go to the mall without parents. It is disingenuous to think they will mind parents' missives to not go to Urban Outfitters.
So, it's not illegal. That doesn't mean it's a great idea. There is too much inappropriate sexuality sold to kids and teens - not just at Urban Outfitters, but in the media as well. The goal is to get their hormones rolling so they'll spend money, but there are consequences for our communities and I think it's just sad how many adults in charge of stores and media outlets are willing to be complicit in this psychological abuse.
Avon Barksdale
1:11 pm on Monday, February 6, 2012
I'm often amazed that nobody says a word about their 7-12 year-old kids staring at the cover of Cosmo while in line at the supermarket (this month features DAKOTA FANNING on the cover and the headlines include "His Best Sex Ever," "You Have To Try This Sex Trick," and "Um, Vag--a, Are You OK Down There?") ... but then when their adolescent kids start walking into UO or Tommy Hilfiger stores by themselves it's some kind of outrage.