What would you do?

You see an indecent window display at your local shopping mall.

You see a suggestive billboard as you drive to work.

You're in line at your grocery store and notice a provocative magazine on display.

You're comfortably watching television with your family when an indecent scene surprises you.

You rent a movie at the video store and see a rack of sexually explicit videos.

All of us have been in similar situations. Many of us want to speak up and make a difference, however we're not sure who to contact or what to say.

Here are some techniques and guidelines to help you communicate effectively either verbally or in writing.

S.P.E.A.K. is the framework of a civil model for approaching businesses, schools, and leaders about preserving a community standard for decency.

Speak Up for Decency by writing letters and having conversations that utilize this effective model.

• Many stores and retailers advertise or display magazines with obscene or indecent images.
• More companies are now advertising in media and on billboards using indecent pictures and adult-oriented content.
• Radio, TV, and Cable are weaving highly sexualized, obscene or indecent content into family oriented shows.

It only takes a minute

Call, visit, or write and encourage these companies to reflect a high community standard.

Remember also to take the time to praise and give positive reinforcement to companies and networks that make the effort to provide family-friendly material.

What is a Community Standard?

Tell retailers what you think abou their displays and advertising. Shopping Comment Card

Let us know about your experiences in Speaking Up for Decency.

Conversation Template - Retail Store Displays

Sincere compliment

My name is [your name] and I often shop at [name of store] because I enjoy the large selection your store offers customers. I often bring my four children (ages five to thirteen) to shop at the [name of store] store located on [name of street].

State the Problem

I am concerned about the number of “provocative” wall displays at the store that are clearly in view of children. The suggestive-nature of these displays are highly offensive to myself and my family.

Education

Because you do business in our city, I am sure you care about our children, youth and families. Exhibits like those presented at your store promote the degradation and abuse of women. As a responsible owner, I am sure you will agree objectifying women in this fashion fails to show negative consequences such as AIDS, rape, relationships without commitment, and unrealistic sexual expectations.

Requested Action

For the safety and comfort of women, children, and families, I am requesting that [name of store] remove all suggestive displays from your store and replace them with more family-friendly advertisements. I look forward to your response and will call back on [insert a date] to discuss this issue with management.

Kudos

My family would like to continue to do business at your establishment, but we can only do so if the environment is conducive to the family. Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my request.

Conversation Template - Video Displays

Sincere compliment

My name is [your name] and I rent videos at [name of store] because I enjoy the large selection your store offers customers. I often bring my four children (ages five to thirteen) to rent movies at the [name of store] located on [name of street].

State the Problem

I am concerned about the number of Playboy [or other names] videos placed in the new release section at the eye level of children. The suggestive and soft pornography covers on the Playboy videos are highly offensive to myself and my family.

Education

Because you do business in our city, I am sure you care about our children, youth and families. Videos like [name of video] promote the degradation and abuse of women. As a responsible owner, I am sure you will agree soft-core pornography fails to show the negative consequences such as AIDS, rape, relationships without commitment, and unrealistic sexual expectations.

Requested Action

For the safety of women, children, and families, I am requesting that [name of store] discontinue the rental of all Playboy-type movies. I look forward to your response and will call back on [date] to discuss this issue with management.

Kudos

My family would like to continue to do business at your establishment, but we can only do so if the environment is conducive to the family. Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my request.

Who do I contact?

Most company websites have a "contact us" link on the main menu, or at the very bottom of their homepage.

Here are a few major TV network examples:

NBC In the middle of the page is a drop-down box to select a show and email a comment.

CBS Feedback form

ABC Contact Us

FOX Email directly with comments

HBO Contact Us

File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commision

Always report internet crime and pornography.

• It is illegal for an adult or company to knowingly distribute pornography to minors.
• Child pornography is always illegal.

Conversation Template - Internet at Libraries

Sincere compliment

My name is [your name] and I use the [name of library] often because I enjoy the large selection of books and DVDs it offers my family. I often bring my four children (ages five to thirteen) to the library located on [name of street].

State the Problem

I am concerned about the fact that pornography is available to users of the library computer systems. Children and minors could be walking by at any time when material like this is on a screen. The suggestive and soft pornography is highly offensive to myself and my family.

Education

Because you provide a [city/county] service, I am sure you care about our children, youth and families. Internet porn promotes the degradation and abuse of women. As a responsible librarian, I am sure you will agree soft-core pornography fails to show the negative consequences such as AIDS, rape, relationships without commitment, and unrealistic sexual expectations.

Requested Action

For the safety of women, children, and families, I am requesting that [name of library] cease allowing access to porn in areas that are in the line of sight of all children and minors. I look forward to your response and will call back on [date] to discuss this issue with management.

Kudos

Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my request.

Conversation Template - Books & DVDs at Libraries

Sincere compliment:

My name is [your name] and I use the [name of library] often because I enjoy the large selection of books and DVDs it offers my family. I often bring my four children (ages five to thirteen) to the library located on [name of street].

State the Problem

I am concerned about the number of adult-oriented [or other names] [videos/books/etc] placed in the new release section at the eye level of children. The suggestive and soft pornography covers on these videos/books are highly offensive to myself and my family.

Education

Because you provide a [city/county] service, I am sure you care about our children, youth and families. Videos like [name of video] promote the degradation and abuse of women. As a responsible librarian, I am sure you will agree soft-core pornography fails to show the negative consequences such as AIDS, rape, relationships without commitment, and unrealistic sexual expectations.

Requested Action:

For the safety of women, children, and families, I am requesting that [name of library] place Playboy-type movies in a location that is out-of-sight of all children and minors. I look forward to your response and will call back on [date] to discuss this issue with management.

Kudos

Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my request.

Internet at School

Sincere compliment

My name is [your name]. My child attends [name of school]. Since we have lived here we have appreciated the opportunity for learning and growth through our experience with [name of school].

State the Problem

I would like to come into the school and learn about the internet filters used and what proactive teaching happens amongst the student body through education, volunteer and administration efforts.

Education

Because you are a principal, I am sure you care about children and families. Pornographic material has been shown to negatively impact adolescent attitudes and beliefs. It's impact on sexual behavior, aggression, self-concept and body image, social development and healthy adolescent brain development are receiving greater scrutiny. Therefore, I believe protection from exposure to pornography ought to merit our upmost attention.

Requested Action

For the safety and well being of children and families, I am requesting that [name of school] continually verify the effectiveness of filters on school computers and work with parents and other stake holders to actively educate and protect our children from exposure to pornography and the illegal distribution of sexually explicit materials to minors while at school.

Kudos

Thank you for your time and consideration in reviewing my request.

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