The little guy won this weekend.
While on an errand to our neighborhood Walgreens we learned a very powerful lesson. We, as citizens, have a say in how things play out in our community.
On a mission for something from the film/electronics aisle, we passed by the main entrance display boxes. These are large boxes that feature many random items from candy to Snuggies to whatever. On this particular day, Walgreens chose to hang magazine racks filled with the most recent Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition (I even hesitate typing that in all caps as if its a title - I want to give as little respect as possible). These display boxes are at perfect eye level with a little kid - an eight year old girl to be exact.
I watched out of the corner of my eye to see if Hattie noticed the busty and airbrushed cover and she did. I saw that look in her eye of interest, but more processing or interpreting what she was seeing. I motioned onward, but feel the anger rising inside me.
You see, as a father of daughters I will not stand for this. I will not allow "SI" to force me into body image discussions with my innocent daughter before its time. I will not allow my community pharmacy to force me to talk through how women like this are not real, nor is that how our Father in Heaven wants us to behave. Modesty, class, etc... All topics I wanted to address on my own time. I was mad - they had FORCED me. And I don't like being bossed around directly or indirectly.
I called for the manager.
"Sir, you are a community store. You are in the midst of family oriented community. You are displaying a very inappropriate magazine at eye level of a child. MY CHILD! Now, due to your thoughtless state, I have to have a discussion with my child that she shouldn't have to hear for a few more years. I fully expect you to remove these magazines from their poor location, out of the eye-shot of children. I will be back to make certain it happens or I will happily write a letter to the community newspaper and Walgreens HQ. See that it happens."
Later that day, we drove up, I walked in to inspect. I returned back to the car to a waiting family with two thumbs up. The magazines were relocated out of view.
I did have a great discussion with Hattie. But the bigger lesson was the blessing of all of this - she saw her Dad pick a side and stand up for his daughter, his family and standards.
Sure, I wish I wouldn't have had to face this yesterday, but in the end I think our little family learned a powerful lesson - we have a say.
Dad 1 World 0
Many more to fight...
