A few days ago I complained to the head office for Canadian Tire about their display of Maxim Magazines at the cash register.¬† As I explained in this blog, I felt that type of publication was inappropriate for a retailer that markets and sells to families.¬† Today, I am happy to report that the head of Corporate Social Responsibility called me to apologize for the magazine display and has ensured that all Maxim magazines have been pulled from any stores that sold them.¬† She explained that not every store included this publication on the magazine rack, but those that did, no longer will do so.¬† This is a win for all women and parents of young children and a welcome reminder that it’s better to voice your dissent than turn a blind eye and mutter under your breath.¬† Thanks to any of you who emailed Canadian Tire to rectify this situation.

Does this belong at a Family Store?

Is it just me, or have other women grown tired of the constant bombardment of porn images that grace the covers of so many men’s magazines?¬† I have grown too accustomed to turning a blind eye to sleazy photos of young women staring blankly at me with their mouth agape, barely covered breasts thrusting outward.¬† And what of our children?¬† I propose that it cannot be healthy to have my young boys exposed to this type of soft porn every time we buy a freezie at the local Mac’s Milk.¬† Don’t get me wrong – it’s not the fact that they see nudity that bothers me, as much as¬†the portrayal of women as sexual objects.¬† And, believe me, kids know sexual images when they see them.

Today I was at the cash counter at Canadian Tire and was surprised to see the latest issue of Maxim on the magazine rack.¬† Although my children were not with me at the time, I couldn’t help but feel surprised and offended that a respectable family store would display this sort of publication.¬† I have called Canadian Tire’s head office to complain and will see whether they respond.¬† I believe parents should expect a certain amount of restraint from respectable retail establishments.¬† To me, it is no more appropriate for a children’s store, such as Gymboree, to sell this magazine than it is for a store that sells¬†any portion of their merchandise to young families.¬†

If you agree that this type of magazine does not belong at Canadian Tire, I encourage you to send an email to their Corporate Social Responsibility department at caroline.casselman@cantire.com