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!
This
excerpt from
DOD Directive 5120.20 shows that the Armed Forces Radio and Television Service (
AFRTS) has restrictions that regulate what can be
broadcasted. Pornography, explicit music, and explicit videos are all banned from broadcasting. Not only are these, but deviant and socially unacceptable behavior is also prohibited. Why can't
AAFES apply similar standards to its product catalogue? If it is freedom of speech they claim as their reasoning, then why is there regulation of AFRTS? If it is inappropriate for AFRTS, then it is inappropriate for AAFES. There is absolutely no difference in what customers are authorized for both services and both have a captive audience of military families and service members.
C4.10. UNAUTHORIZED PROGRAMS and PROGRAM MATERIAL
C4.10.1. Pornographic Materials.
The airing, reproduction, or mere existence of audio and/or video pornographic materials within the premises of any AFRTS facility is prohibited. The airing, reproduction, or exhibition of any such materials within an AFRTS facility shall also be punishable under provisions of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ).
C4.10.2. Demeaning Audio or Video Materials.
The airing or reproduction of any unauthorized audio or video program materials within an AFRTS facility shall also constitute a violation of this Regulation. Examples of such materials are: racist propaganda; audio/video materials whose sole purpose is to demean any race, gender, nationality, or religion; materials promoting the use of drugs or alcohol, or promoting deviant or socially unacceptable behavior; material promoting religious cults; material promoting the overthrow of governments.
C4.10.3. Lyrics Alert Labeling.
Outlets shall not air any song that is labeled with a "Lyrics Alert," "Very Explicit Lyrics" or similar notice. These music industry alerts are used to label songs that contain lyrics that may violate existing U.S. broadcast law and/or relevant community standards of good taste. Outlets shall report songs without alerts that include offensive swear words, racially demeaning language, lyrics that encourage drug use, sexual abuse or harassment, to AFRTS-BC.
AAFES already posts the above sign at all its Shoppettes and Exchanges at Fort Riley, Kansas. This is a very good system that is already in place. However, only doing this for alcohol and tobacco is not good enough. AAFES needs to do something similar to this for Rated R movies and Rated M video games. AAFES has a responsibility to not only protect children from tobacco and alcohol, but from sexually explicit and inappropriate media.
Another idea that would be a suitable solution is to have a prompt at the register that reminds the cashier to card a customer when one of these inappropriate items is scanned.
Once a system is in place, it is also up to AAFES to ensure that the employees are properly trained. We are asking AAFES to be more like Wal-Mart who already has register prompts and gives formal training to all its employees that teaches them the different video game and movie ratings and what to do when confronted with a situation dealing with those forms of media.
