I get a fair amount of criticism in the comment section for being critical of American Christianity. That’s probably a little fair, although I would content, as a Christian, I have some right to be offended by the wild misuse of what I believe in. However, it would really help me out if culture warriors like the One Million Moms group (affiliated with the American Family Association) would stop embarking on stupid campaigns.
In a recent Archie comc book, a series I think most people have largely forgotten about, a character from Riverdale got married. What is upsetting the One Million Moms is that the character, Kevin Keller, is male and he married another man. Cue the outrage!
Unfortunately, children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in a 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 few notes…one, as a parent of two, I spend a significant amount of time in Toys R Us stores and I have no idea where they keep the comics, so the odds of some sort of confrontation is somewhat slim. The odds of a kid being bombarded with a million messages to have more crap purchased for them to make them feel content for another hour, those odds are quite high, but I guess no one cares about that sort of thing.
Second, the battle over whether homosexual relationships actually exist is over. If you disapprove of such things, your children will be forced to accept the reality of same-sex marriage at some point. Two men might be holding hands in the very same Toys R Us! These things actually happen regardless of your religious-based horror! Hard to believe, but it’s true.
There’s certainly a space as a parent to be concerned about the world your children will grow up to live in, but instead of freaking out about a comic book cover that reflects an actual positive part of our world (people in love) and maybe start caring about whether there will actually be schools to attend, opportunity to be had, air to breathe, water to drink, whatever. I’m pro-people being happy and I’d like for my children to be the same.
The CEO of Archie Comics responded quite appropriately:
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.
Riverdale sounds like a great place to live, but I suspect it’s not the sort of place that the Million Moms can deal with.
This article appears in Mar 1-7, 2012.
I rewrote the letter for OMM. I hope they like it. I didn’t send it to Toy-R-Us though, I didn’t want it to be confused for they’re ugliness and hate. Hope you like it:
As a parent and a non-member of OneMillionMoms.com, I am extremely happy 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 o…nes 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 very proud of the merchandise being sold in your stores. These comic books are displayed at the front checkout counters so they are highly visible to employees, managers, customers and children, good for you!
Children are now being exposed to same-sex marriage in your toy store. This is a great incentive for parents to explain questions from their children on topics about acceptance and love between two people. Issues of this nature are important and can sometimes be introduced too early and too soon, but children are not stupid, and a loving parent can successfully explain hard issues such as these.
A trip to the toy store could turn into a valuable discussion on sexual orientation and how love is a beautiful thing. Toys ‘R’ Us should be more proud in bringing forward important topics with the products they carry.
Please keep all the same-sex “Just Married – Archie” comic books on your shelves. My decision to continue shopping in your stores has been reinforced.
I look forward to seeing more humanistic progress and support from you regarding my encouragement.
I LOVE THE REPLY FROM THE CEO!!! Lets all work together to make America over in the image of Riverdale!!!!!!
What Can We Do to Stop One Million Moms? Lets not put it in the news. This is sick and perverted. If my children had a question I would answer it and tell them IT IS WRONG!
Interesting that no comment was made by OMM that the couple is a “mixed-race” couple–something that 50 years ago was considered by many to be as abhorrent as gay marriage is to many now. Can we hope that with time that people will become more tolerant of people of “different” sexual orientation as they have become of people of color? I just hope it takes less time and less violence than was seen for the race issue!
Just about every mammal species and some non-mammals have been observed to engage in homosexuality. Therefore, it is natural and normal, John. Life isn’t just about imperatives.
One million moms are stupid bitches that have no idea what they are talking about. God loves everyone and accepts everyone. Sadly, he even loves them and he wants them to love and accept too. They have no power and have no idea the people they are angering. If they dont want their kids “exposed” to “trash” on social media, then block your own children from it. Some kids are mature enough to get that this is the world we live in and that they should have freedom to do whatever they want. If a member of one million moms ends up with a LGBTQ child of family member, I am so sorry for that person. The OMM will probably throw them out on the street.
…”although I would content, as a Christian, I have some right to be…”
Would not the correct word have been “contend?”
We need to tell members of this HATE group at every opportunity that they are evil, wrong, and they need to turn in their Christian cards! Cause they sure the heck arent.