The Realization
AAFES (The Army Air Force Exchange Service) is not a store for everyone, although by design it is supposed to be. It is only a store for adults who do not mind being bombarded with sexually explicit slogans and images throughout the store. Additionally, AAFES has no policy that prevents children from purchasing CDs with explicit lyrics, movies that are rated R (Restricted), and or video games that are rated M (Mature). Because of this, we are asking AAFES to incorporate policies that are very similar to what Wal-Mart has already put in place. We call this standard "the Wal-Mart Standard". In time, we hope that AAFES rises to the challenge and adopts this standard as the norm so that children and principled adults can shop for supplies in a family-friendly environment.
Our Mission
Our mission is to help AAFES make sensible changes to its current policies that result in every AAFES establishment becoming family-friendly.
A Call to AAFES
1. Incorporate a pro-family stance into the AAFES Mission Statement reflecting the values of the people AAFES serves - military families.
2. Develop, publish, and implement a family-friendly policy. The following must be included in this policy:
2a. Stop selling all pornography (e.g. Playboy) and publications that appeal to prurient interest (e.g. Maxim, FHM, Stuff, Cosmopolitan, Heavy Metal).
2b. Do not position any publications that might be interpreted as offensive in areas where the customer is a captive audience (e.g. checkout aisle, store entrance, restroom hallway).
2c. Stop selling all music labeled "Explicit Lyrics".
2d. Post a sign clearly visible at each register and enforce a policy that states no rated "M for Mature" games and "R for Restricted" movies will be sold to anyone less than 18 years of age.
Contact AAFES
Anyone can call (1-800-527-6790) or email them at commander@aafes.com. You can also fill out an online comment form if you are in the military. They always send a response, so let them know what you think about this important issue!
In response to the Aug. 8 Associated Press article on music lyrics (“Study says raunchy lyrics prompt teens to have sex,” Mideast edition; “Study suggesting raunchy lyrics are prompting teens to have sex,” European edition): Did it take a study to finally realize the influence today’s so-called music has on our teens. The powers of suggestion within the lyrics make for inevitable responses to some degree. The young people are already in search of identity and for an explanation to the curious urges in their bodies.
My problem is that this should have been identified long ago, and some measures taken to avoid where we are now. Then, the bottom line identifies itself. Money! We have become a people who will do anything and/or allow anything for the love of money, even if it includes the cost of our youth. We want the best for them, but we continue to surround them with commercialized trash that really identifies who we are. Free enterprise allows these activities, whether they break moral parameters or not, to run rampant in our society and the world we live in. If only we could have nipped this in the bud. As it is, it may be too late. Study that.
Rev. (Capt.) Jeff Saffold Camp Arifjan, Kuwait
