Victoria's Secret admits they've become "too sexy"

I received this in my inbox this morning, and thought I'd share...

Lingerie Giant Feels Strain of National Boycott—Local Residents Joining In

CEO of Victoria's Secret Confesses They’ve Become ‘Too Sexy.’

For Immediate Release: December 11, 2008

(Press Release) - Millions of American children are exposed to Victoria’s Secret’s highly sexualized advertisements each day. From commercials during family prime time television to mall displays across America, the ads are no doubt provocative.

“We have pictures as big as walls with women wearing underwear, sometimes even just an arm for cover up. As a mother of a young son,” commented Rebecca Anderson from Orem, UT, “I’m disgusted with all these sexual images he’s being exposed to. I hope others will see how twisted this is and what it’s doing to not just children, but men & women of all ages.”

“For me, it really brings back my insecurities about being a woman,” said 26-year-old Sarah Ann of Loma Linda, CA. “I immediately start to compare myself to the ads I see.” Some scholars feel these ads contribute to the sexual objectification of women by advertising their bras in surreal proportions with larger than life photographs.

Many people feel these ads too often toe the line from appealing to appalling & are unsolicited. Parents often feel that when corporations like Victoria’s Secret push the envelope in their public advertising, it is a betrayal of public trust.

The top executive of Victoria's Secret, Sharen Turney, admitted in a recent press release that the lingerie giant has indeed become "too sexy" for its own good. Ironically, she recalled how the lingerie chain was started in San Francisco in 1977 by Roy Raymond because he felt embarrassed trying to buy lingerie for his wife and hoped to provide a comfortable place to shop.“[W]e've so much gotten off our heritage,” Turney confessed. “I feel so strongly about us getting back to our heritage and really thinking in terms of ultra feminine.”

While families nationwide were thrilled with these comments made by Victoria’s CEO- Feb ‘08 this year, many now see it was an empty promise— possibly a publicity ploy to boost sales—citing no change in the risqué nature of their ads. In a recent poll, most mothers agreed that the outside store displays at Victoria’s Secret are no more family-appropriate than before. As Sarah Whitaker from Pleasant Grove, UT remarked, “Victoria’s Secret’s images are so embarrassing to walk by, especially for families with kids. Sure, lingerie needs to be advertised, but why can’t displays aimed at the public be more child-appropriate?”

Families nationwide are banding together in a valiant effort to reclaim the public domain. They are simply asking for more child-appropriate ads, both on the public airwaves and in public mall displays. Groups are staging “Pro-Family Demonstrations” across the U.S. until Victoria’s Secret- the lingerie leader- follows through on their promise to tone down & return to their heritage.

Until that time, citizens and pro-family groups nationwide are saying “enough is enough.” So far, a number of prominent pro-family organizations have joined the national boycott, with more in quick succession. Soon over one million of their total members will be alerted, to join the largest boycott of its kind. The groups wish the public to know the boycott is not about protesting lingerie or Victoria’s Secret’s products. The boycott is simply about asking for public ads that are more respectful of women & child and family appropriate.

Throughout Utah Valley citizens are beginning to mobilize. Many are expected to attend the “Pro-Family” demonstrations each week from 1-3 pm on the corner of Univ. Pkwy & State St. in Orem, UT. This past Saturday was a success as hundreds of cars honked in support. The local store manager even came out to the street corner upset about the boycott. When prompted, she agreed that their public ads are not child-appropriate, but tried to justify that other stores show similar ads. She complained this would hurt sales and walked off.

In Michigan, the American Decency Association has already campaigned against Victoria’s Secret & seen noticeable ad improvements. There the corporation did agree to make local concessions. Nationwide, many citizens see this as evidence it is possible to make a difference in their hometown & everywhere are encouraging friends & family to join the boycott. And it’s taking off. These groups are determined to make a difference & have agreed not to stop until Victoria’s ads change. Millions of Americans are being asked to sign the petition found at www.BoycottVS.com