Albertson's Pulls Seventeen Magazine From Shelves; for 'Explicit' Pictures
From: Progressive Grocer
September 26, 2005 -
BOISE, Idaho -- Albertson's stores in Arizona and 11 other states pulled copies of the October Seventeen magazine from its shelves last week due to concerns over the appropriateness of its 2-page "Vagina 101" feature.
The article, which focuses on yeast and urinary tract infections, vaginal discharge, and pubic hair, is meant to educate girls about their bodies. The pictures that led to the grocery chain's action include a color drawing labeling eight parts of the vagina and two photographs of vaginas.
According to published reports, Danielle Killpatrick, public affairs director for Albertsons division in Oregon, said the company received several complaints that the material was explicit, but would not specify the sources of those complaints.
When detractors cited First Amendment rights, Killpatrick maintained that it was the right of the corporation to decide what goes on its shelves and what doesn't.
In a statement, Seventeen defended the article, saying its writers address issues that concern readers.
RSS
