Rant, rant, rant

(Warning:  Karen is on her soap-box again.  Just pat her on the head and tell her that it will all be OK.)

Lucy and I had to go shopping at Wal-Mart this morning.  Something happened that has occurred frequently before.  I've made comments to employees, but it comes back over and over.  I called the manager this morning, and then wrote a letter to corporate headquarters.  Here's what I said . . .

This morning, my four-year-old daughter and I shopped at Wal-Mart #3226.  My children enjoy shopping with me and it is necessary that they accompany me when I need to do my errands.  As we walked into the electronics department, I was dismayed to see a number of large televisions displaying "The Dark Knight"- a PG-13 movie.  This is not a movie I would take any of my four children to see, since they are all younger than thirteen.  When my oldest son was four, he was traumatized by a scene depicting a decapitation he saw on a big screen at Sam's Club.  He had nightmares for weeks and didn't want to accompany me when I had to go shopping.  

I don't understand why Wal-Mart, a generally family friendly store, insists on showing inappropriately violent and graphic movies for all ages to see.  I understand that Wal-Mart wants to show the "latest and greatest" movies to advertise their products.  I've made comments to the employees before and they've always been kind and understanding. Today, I called the store to speak with a manager.  I was told that the choice of movies shown comes from "above".  

Wal-Mart should adopt a family friendly philosophy by only showing age-appropriate movies when advertising their televisions.  Frankly, some of the new animated movies will show off the amazing graphics of a new TV better than the ones you've been showing.  Right now, "Horton Hears a Who" is new and has amazing animation.  I know my daughter would insist we stop to watch, which would make me want to shop more, instead of speed-racing through the department so that she doesn't see anything violent.

I do most of my grocery shopping at Wal-Mart and Sam's Club.  I am in a financial position to pay higher prices if it means protecting my children from disturbing images.  I will be speaking to my friends and family about our experience and will also be posting my opinion on my blog.  I will be happy to pass on any response from Wal-Mart corporate offices.  Please feel free to respond or call.

I don't know if this will do any good.  I'll be sure to post any response I get (or more likely, lack of response.)  I don't know if anyone else even feels the way I do.  If you do, I ask you to write a letter or make a phone call yourself.  

If you don't, would you mind running to Wal-Mart for me?