Some Mom’s are better than others, and I am completely willing to say that all of the so-called Million Moms are right there at the bottom of the barrel. I use the so-called advisedly, since there is very little evidence that they are even one hundred thousand moms, let alone a million or more.
This group of homophobic “Moms”, fresh from their epic loss to in trying to pressure J.C. Penny to fire Ellen DeGeneres as their spokesperson, have turned their beady, hate filled eyes to Toys R Us and Archie Comics.
You see, Life With Archie #16 has a cover showing the marriage of Kevin Keller, who happens to be gay to his husband. You can see the cover above. This innocuous (and frankly candid and bland portrayal) of marriage equality has the “Mom’s” writing letters trying to pressure the toy retailer to do something about it. Here is one letter that has been published: (H/T to Right Wing Watch)
As a mother and a member of OneMillionMoms.com, I am extremely disappointed to learn that select Toys ‘R’ Us stores are now selling ‘Archie’ comic books with a same-sex wedding displayed on the front cover. I am referring to the ones where the front cover reads “Just Married” with two men marrying, one wearing a service uniform.
I am aware that Toys ‘R’ Us employees do not actually set up the displays; they leave this up to the vendor. Your company should be aware of the merchandise being sold in your stores nonetheless. These comic books are displayed at the front checkout counters so they are highly visible to employees, managers, customers and children.
Unfortunately, children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in your toy store. This is the last place a parent would expect to be confronted with questions from their children on topics that are too complicated for them to understand. Issues of this nature are being introduced too early and too soon, which is becoming extremely common and unnecessary.
A trip to the toy store turns into a premature discussion on sexual orientation and is completely uncalled for. Toys ‘R’ Us should be more responsible in the products they carry.
Please remove all the same-sex “Just Married – Archie” comic books immediately from your shelves. My decision to shop in your stores depends on it.
I look forward to hearing from you regarding my concern
So far there has been no decision by Toys R Us, but we should get off our butts and make sure that the company knows that most Americans are not homophobes who have a problem with a comic book depicting what will be a normal sight in our nation sooner rather than later.
Personally, I think that most kids are not going to make a big a deal about this as the “Moms”. They will look at the cover and see two happy people, one of them a soldier getting married. I know I am not in the insane demographic but I kind of feel like this is a good family friendly message. It is too people getting married, standing up before their friends and community and saying they are going to establish a new family. What is more wholesome than that?
Of course when one obsessed by the sex that other people are having, like the “Moms” and the other bigoted anti-gay groups are, well I guess you can’t get past the gender of those involved.
The good news is that the Archie Comic group is not backing down in any way, shape or form. They have issued their own press release. From the CEO John Goldwater:
“We stand by Life with Archie #16. As I’ve said before, Riverdale is a safe, welcoming place that does not judge anyone. It’s an idealized version of America that will hopefully become reality someday. We’re sorry the American Family Association/OneMillionMoms.com feels so negatively about our product, but they have every right to their opinion, just like we have the right to stand by ours. Kevin Keller will forever be a part of Riverdale, and he will live a happy, long life free of prejudice, hate and narrow-minded people.“
Let’s hear it for Kevin Keller and the men and women behind his creation who are standing up for the real values of equality that is one of the ideals this nation is striving for!
The Million Mom’s and their verging on hate-group sponsor the American Family Association can take a long walk off of a short peer for all that I care.
But if we are to really turn the tide against this kind of homophobic and bigoted pressure campaign we need to make sure that Toys R Us stands tall like J.C. Penny did. You can either call them or e-mail them below is the contact info:
Phone -973-617-3500
E-mail address: contactus@toysrus.com
Just for those who are a little tongue-tied I’ve included my letter to them on this issue. Please feel free to cut and paste it over your own name, paraphrase it or just use it as the jumping off place for your own letter.
Dear Toys R Us:
I’ve recently become aware that you are being pressured by a group called the Million Mom’s to remove an Archie Comic that features two male characters on their wedding day on the cover.
As someone (like most of the American population) who is related to gay citizens I am overjoyed to see a product that portrays that kind of equality that we should all be reaching for.
Please pay no attention to the narrow minded bigots who are objecting to this very mild and innocuous look at marriage equality. They are not the majority of this nation as poll after poll shows.
J.C. Penny was pressured by this same group because of their choice of Ellen DeGeneres as a spokesperson. They have received a huge boost in perception for their refusal to bow to the pressures of a group dedicated to the shaming and resisting full equality for all gay citizens.
Just knowing that you stock such items and will continue to do so in the face of pressure will certainly make me much more likely to shop your stores and on-line offerings for my toy purchases.
Please stand strong for equality and do not let the small minded pressure you.
Regards,
Now it is up to you Kossacks! If you feel like the so-called Million Mom’s need another smack in the snoot, then take a few minutes this morning to contact Toys R Us and tell them you wan them to stand strong.
The floor is yours!