Elton John's Family Shielded from Young Shoppers

Caitlin Dickson 138 Views Jan 26, 2011

An Arkansas grocery store has become the subject of negative attention over its display of an US Magazine, featuring Elton John and David Furnish posing with their new baby, covered by a "family shield." Chris Hogg at Digital Journal reports that Harps grocery store customer Jenn Hudd was so appalled by the sign that she tweeted a picture of it this morning with the caption: "This was taken at my local grocery store. I was shocked and horrified. It's over all the covers of that magazine (at every register). The other magazines aren't covered."

The pictures spread quickly and have elicited additional similar reactions.

Julia Rubin speaks for everyone at Styleite this morning, writing: "This makes us angry. Really, really angry. This 'shield' comes from a place of ignorance, intolerance and hate. An image of two loving parents thrilled to finally have a child of their own? This is clearly not something that should be censored. Ever."

Richard Lawson at Gawker doesn't understand what exactly the folks at Harps were protecting their customers from, "Mr. John's crazy glasses?"

Matt Stopera at Buzzfeed urges readers to issue "polite complaints" to the Harp's management, providing the office number and a link to their contact form.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at cdickson at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.
Caitlin Dickson

Sources

Cover Censored, Julia Rubin, Styleite
Too Offensive for Kids, Matt Stopera, Buzzfeed
Family Shield, Chris Hogg, Digital Journal
Photo of Gay Family, Richard Lawson, Gawker

Topics: Entertainment

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