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Heavily-bundled group protests scantily-clad lingerie models

Red | 5:36 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

These people need to learn when enough is enough. The ads that Victoria Secrets displays are not offensive or rude in any way. They show there items the way that they are supposed to look. There is no problem with that. These people need to grow up and stop acting like anything that they do not like needs to be banned from everyone to see. Walk a different direction, don't go by the store if you don't like it, but don't expect the rest of the world to bow to your demands because you can not handle a little bit of sexuality. If I don't like something, I simply ignore it. Please don't try to pawn it off on children either. First of all, it is natural. Second, if you shelter your children from every little thing, how are they ever supposed to learn. Like I said, you don't need to go in the store, you don't have to walk by their windows, and you should not be aloud to take away all of the freedoms that we have because a few of you don't like it. Enough is enough. Grow up.

ANDIE | 5:42 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

GET OVER IT!! LINGERIE IS NOT MENT FOR "FAMILIES AND CHILDERN" Dont like the models, dont look at them. No one says you even have to shop there. It doesnt objectify women. Only IN YOUR EYES, not mine and quite usuing your words in my mouth. Life goes on, roll with it!

csjr | 6:29 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

With all the problems in this country economically and the horrors against humanity all over the world it's good to know that these people have women's lingerie to protest. I am personally embrassed for anyone who was protesting. You know what, go home and be with your families, that in my mind is not a waste of time. Protesting lingerie IS!

Comments continue below

mike d | 6:33 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

grow up. this is supposed to be a free country, when did middle eastern ideas become a part of american culture. its just underwear. if you dont like it dont look.

Jan | 6:34 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

Get a life, people. You're children won't be damaged for life if they see 'half naked' women. When will America stop being so puritanical? Victoria's Secret sells lingerie!! Should their models wear parkas?

Nowhere Illinois | 7:39 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

I lived in Utah most of my life, I've lived in many places outside Utah including outside the US too. It's funny to hear about a teenage boy shielding his eyes from a lingerie poster at a lingerie store. Really? Do teenage boys not like women in next to nothing? When did this happen? When I was a teen I remember very well being very impressed at how classy their models looked (I mean their underwear was AWESOME who cared about class?)! It's not pornography though there are plenty of those stores to picket in front of. If you don't like underwear, don't wear it. I do, I like the way my woman wears it. Sometimes she wears it to be objectified, what's so wrong with that? But how would I know what there is to buy for her, how would she know what there is to buy to wear for me if we don't have the time to go into the store every week to see what's on sale? I'm pretty sure that's the point of advertising. The best way for you to deal with this "problem" is to ignore it.

Toodles | 7:42 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

Wow. Never cease to be amazed at the things they come up with to be offended by in Utah! Nose out! Seriously, there are a lot bigger problems out there that deserve our time and attention.
The only thing those ads do to me are make me want to go work out! Honestly, its the same as when they were protesting strip clubs here in Salt Lake. I don't like them either so I don't go in. Strange how some folks insist that others adhere to their moral code - would they have us be a bunch of facists? Sheesh!
Let the undies be!!

Anonymous | 8:26 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

There is a story about a group of elders and the church president looking at a beauty contest, during the swim suit portion, and one of the elders commenting about the contestants being sinfully undressed. The president replied, " I don't know about you brother, but all I see is a group of lovely young ladies. We see what our training teaches us to see. If we were made in the immage of god, then there should be no shame in our bodies. People get your mind out of the gutter.

mbt6 | 8:39 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

there are so many problems in the world....this has to be down the list a ways

Anonymous | 8:53 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

I don't understand the problem. It sounds like they are upset about beautiful women wearing very little. Is that correct?

I would be in full agreement if they had overweight, unattractive women wearing very little. Now that would be offensive.

However, VS has always had total hotties in their ads so I don't see the problem.

Steve Glaser | 8:59 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

Reminds me of a joke I heard: There was an American woman visiting Israel who needed her watch repaired. She didn't speak Hebrew so she looked and looked until she found a store with clocks and watches in the window. She handed the man behind the counter her watch and asked how long it would take for the repair.

The man replied, "lady, I'm a rabbi. I don't repair watches; I do circumcisions."

"So why do you have all the clocks and watches in your window?"

"Well, what should I have in my window?"

Anonymous | 9:01 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

The issue to me is the fact that the model's are late teens to young 20 year olds, with very slim body figures and blemishes wiped away. The idea of what a beautiful body is, becomes distorted. I don't feel like its the underwear their showing that is so questionble it's the way it is presented in the advertising. They are strictly selling sex with their ads.

FUNNY | 9:11 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

Did anyone else notice were this story came from?? Happy valley itself were there is no such thing as sex and half naked women. I can't wait to see what happends if they got a blue boutique down there as well!

Dave | 9:12 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

To "Anonymous" @901pm:

"They are strictly selling sex with their ads."

Really??!!?

Sounds like you're over-symbolizing just a little bit here.

They're a lingerie store. How do you expect them to advertise?

Every company out there uses sexy models with perfect figures to sell their products, and it doesnt have to be clothing-oriented. When's the last time you saw a commercial with a 50-year-old fat slob getting out of a car? No, they get the gorgeous spokesmodel to drive it, and caress the outside of it like it's something she finds phycially desirable.

They're selling their product, using attention-getting means, and making it look as attractive as possible. Advertising at its finest.

If you want to truly have us believe your over-the-top hyperbole of "they're strictly selling sex", maybe you can tell me how much they charge to sleep with one of their supermodels.

Until then, don't insult our intelligence with outright bull.

ABC | 9:38 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

We should sell bras and panties through state-controlled stores. That would solve the problem.

Greg | 9:52 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

I think its great!! Women are beautiful and supposed to be... Your looking at them with your preverted mind and in the wrong way... Sickos!!GROW UP!!!

psm | 9:57 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

What would the country be like if we did NOT allow models to persue their careers as they saw fit? Or what if maybe we made it illegal for women to wear what they wished in public because it offended people who were told (or programmed) to be offended? We could have them wear burkas from head to toe and take away all of their personal freedoms and maybe even beat them regularly? or better yet, just tell them they have no value unless they are 'pure', and then we could force them to marry much older but religiously superior men. Ah...sounds like a perfect and beautiful Zion. Does it not?

seriously? | 10:12 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

I am from Utah, I love Utah, but this is seriously unreal..... People need to chill out. Spend your time protesting something important, something that is really a problem in our society.
I'm sure these kids think they are really fighting for something important but they need to open their eyes and see all the real important things they could spend their time doing.
Get off your soap box and volunteer at a soup kitchen, or donate blood, or something actually valuable.

Rolling my eyes at Provo | 10:18 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

Just when you thought people could not be more stupid in Provo they come up with this! How very embarassing that people are this ridiculously loony!

Gbreit | 11:29 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

What a shame that comment after comment comes rolling in being overly critical of people who stand up for what they believe is right. I wouldn't protest like they did, but I agree that it is inappropriate to expose children and young teenage boys to explicit pictures in malls and other public places. If you want to look at half dressed women you can do it in the leisure of your own home on your computer. It is always appropriate to protest what you believe is wrong or harmful to others. Why don't all of you who are so negative get some courage and stand up for something you believe in instead of mocking what others believe.

DAVID ROBERTS | 11:39 p.m. Dec. 13, 2008

With all going on in the world and this is what they find to do with their time.Give me a break,get over it people.GO LOOK AT THE PROBLEMS IN OUR UP-TIGHT COUNTRY WE HAVE WITH NUDITY AND THEN LOOK AT PLACES THAT ARE LESS UPTIGHT ABOUT THE FEMALE BODY. And if you dont think the sex trade is alive and well in this beautiful valley or State of ours you better open your eyes.Try being less up-tight about the nude body and go make a change in the world that matters.And dont worry you all wont go blind.

John | 12:03 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

Gbreit, I agree with you.

Also, the boycott is not against lingerie. It's against what is put out into the public, unsolicited. If families and others don't feel it's appropriate, which many do feel that way, then families should stand up and speak out. And this is not a Utah thing. If you do a search for "National Boycott Victoria's Secret" info about the boycott comes up.

So many of you say this is a stupid cause. However, social science research indicates that the sexualization of our culture very likely is hurting us. One thing that is undisputed is the effect it has on girls, such as eating disorders. Surely that is a problem in our society.

I think most of you should think again instead of being so narrow-minded to believe that unless society permits promiscuity and sex everywhere, then that group of society is stupid.

I can't even believe it! | 1:01 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

Well all the people defending this, and the ones protesting as well. I hope I see you all this summer in front of Seven Peaks Water Park. I bet you money you will see at least something similar to the VS ads. ANd I hope you will all really consider not taking your family to Seven Peaks for the same reason. I mean if some plastic woman wearing something scanty is oofensive, then real live women in bikinis has to be worse!

Take your Boycott to the streets. Really prove your point. Boycott all water parks as well as VS. WHat a foolish watse of time!

zzman | 1:43 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

Geez...go raise some $$ for the Salvation Army--or something meaningful. Pathetic to see adults mobilizing over such "important" issues...

chrissy | 3:34 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

i am mormon and this type of behaviour from people utah makes me embarassed. i love the victorias secret models and their ads.

last 22 standing | 4:16 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

Way to GO, you brave 22 people (and salutes to those who honked supportively too.) You must be some of the last ones willing to "stand" for decency.SO it was just 22 of you--you just keep marching around Jericho--the "walls" days are numbered.

And BOO to the rest of you posters, who find this so
offensive. You all have numerous ideas about doing something for the salvation army, or chilling out, or getting a life. How about if YOU took your own advice and did those things, instead of mocking others?? You're all for freedom of expression until someone expresses something you disagree with--then it's rude comments time. (And YES, I HAVE TAKEN MY OWN ADVISE. I DO have a life, and I HAVE contributed and done things all year that make a helpful difference, to those in need.)

My final DAGGERS are for those of you (you know who you are) who say you disagree with/are offended by the Victoria Secret ads and their intent--or the Abercrombie ads, and THEIR intent--AND YET YOU STILL SHOP AT THOSE PLACES, because "Victoria Secret has such great smelling lotion" or because Abercrombie "has such great clothes and great sales." Ahhhhhh....

AZ Newser | 8:42 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

I have purchased VS products for my wife, but agree that their adds are excessive. I have to change the channel or shield my children's eyes.

How do we know that these protestors don't also donate to the salvation army and protest peddlers of pornography? I salute their civic involvement. They are not taking away someones rights by boycotting them. Moral decline has serious consequences... you can't argue that this was considered immoral by mainstream society a few decades ago... therefore an obvious decline.

to Dave | 8:47 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

If you aren't aware of how advertising works then you can't be insulted.

Wally Cleaver | 10:22 a.m. Dec. 14, 2008

Nice to know that these folks lives are so perfect that their focus is on model's lingerie.

I guess homelessness, child abuse, alcoholism, drug addictions, crime, racism, domestic violence, political corruption, pollution, urban sprawl, education, terrorism, and all other problems have been solved so timecan be spent on this vital and neglected social ill.

tdawg | 12:11 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

I believe people have a choice whether they shop at the mall or watch Television, protesting Victoria's Secret specifically is a waste of time. My experience at the store has been amazing, the associates help women find comfortable underwear and bras and provide customers with quality products. How they sell their products is their business. I believe this holiday season we should spend our time helping others and providing service to those who need it the most, try helping out the womens shelter or donate to toys for tots...something worth while..

I like these women | 12:46 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

I think these Victoria Secret women add to the holiday spirit. These women are beautiful, they are creations of God, and I see no reason not to enjoy the beauty that God has provided.

Let me enjoy the beauty | 12:48 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

If you don't like looking at these beautiful women, be my guest and don't look, but why do you need to stop me from enjoying their beauty?

Stand up for what's right | 2:39 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

I happen to know some of the people who protested. And I can tell you that they ARE involved in good things. They DO donate blood, they donate to the salvation army. They volunteer. These are the people who are actually doing something to improve the world they live in. These people are trying to raise their children to be virtuous and have good values in a world that is going down the drain, meanwhile, they and their kids are being bombarded with pictures of almost naked women while trying to go to the kid's old navy just next door. This isn't right or appropriate. I think all of you have a concience and you know this. The bottom line is that we are trying to be good, decent, people. Can't we be a little better than this? Those protestors stood up for what they beleived in. They can't change the world by themselves, they can't do every little thing that you guys have mentioned. But they ARE doing something. Maybe if everyone would help for something they beleived in then this world would be a better place. stop critisizing and start doing something!

I want more | 2:43 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

I want these people to protest at the swimming suit store and the swimming pool. Many females there and many of the men should never, never been seen in any state of undress.

I WILL stand up for something | 2:46 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

I believe that a store that sells underwear should be able to advertise that underwear with pictures of it. I also believe the same for swimsuits. Unless those kids shopping at Kids Gap will be banned for life from the swimming pool, I believe the protest was absurd. If I must stand up for this, beyond posting my opinion here, I guess I will need to protest the protesters next time.

John | 5:42 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

Actually, if you look at what they are protesting, they are not protesting their lingerie advertising. They are fine with their ads online, in the stores, and in their catalogs, but they are asking for public displays that are child and family appropriate.

And they blatantly use sexually provocative images to sell their lingerie. This is quite different than somebody just walking around at the water park in a swim suit. Imagine if the women lifeguards at a water park were seductively posed, showing much cleavage, or perhaps even naked but covering up their body parts with just a hand. That is not how water parks are, but if they were, to say that is not appropriate would be rational.

Live and let live | 7:48 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

What is wrong with these protesters? If they are concerned about their children, they should shop elsewhere.

If they are trying to force their views on the rest of us shame on them for being prideful.

Live and let live.

Anonymous | 9:04 p.m. Dec. 14, 2008

There was a store in my mall here in cali that had tshirts with very offensive comments on the front, prominently displayed in their front window. When I spoke to the store manager about it, he showed me a printed directive from their regional manager telling them to put these shirts in the window. I emailed the company headquarters and told them they needed to hire managers with maturity and class. I also told them they had the written proof needed for female employees to file a sexual harassment claim by being required to work in such an environment. I also told them I would not patronize their store as walking past it was offensive enough, The next day the shirts were replaced with something more appropriate. Companies do listen, but IMO an email campaign is more effective and less time consuming.

momoflittlekids | 3:14 p.m. Dec. 15, 2008

If you shop online you can visit only what you like. It's not like it's next door to the DMV or Wic office ya don't have to walk by it, get it's catalogs, or visit the site. :P It doesn't seem to bother my kids, we note the 'pink' dog and cute skirts and keep walking. It's not Fredricks.

Brain Ryder | 10:00 p.m. Dec. 17, 2008

The problem with people in Provo, is they insist on making Provo the "perfect place". They have unrealistic expectations of transforming the city into it's own little perfect heaven. There is only one problem... We are not in Heaven, we are in the World... Let it go you bubble makers!!!!!!!!!!!

Getting Used To It | 1:34 a.m. Dec. 22, 2008

Just a thought a little offtopic here.

Most of my life I have lived in an area where an uncovered human body doesn't elicit much of a reaction - unless deliberately posing in a manner designed to attract attention.

That's called desensitizing - it starts in the home, where kids learn to treat the human body with respect. At the same time they learn that it's no big deal to see one without it being fully covered.

There is probably no other culture where human body is as objectified as in the U.S..

Anyway, I'm not arguing against modesty. Just that we should perhaps be less sensitive about skin.

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