I don't feel differently at all now, but there is a blog called "PhD in Parenting" that brought to my attention a very disturbing book that Amazon.com has, until today, been selling. They even defended selling it last week when this was brought into the media's attention. Apparently it's been all over the news, but I just found out about this today. The name of the book is "The Pedophile’s Guide to Love and Pleasure: A Child-Lover’s Code of Conduct."
As a mother of a young boy I am completely sickened that something like this exists, and even more upset that Amazon.com sold it, and even more upset that they defended selling it, saying:
"Amazon believes it is censorship not to sell certain books simply because we or others believe their message is objectionable. Amazon does not support or promote hatred or criminal acts, however, we do support the right of every individual to make their own purchasing decisions."
But the issue is not book censorship. Amazon.com is not our government. Their not selling a book doesn't mean it has been censored or banned. This is so completely not comparable to book banning. They are not required to sell all books, and there are many many books that they choose not to sell. Why did they choose, until today, TO sell this one? And the LA Times reports they are still selling another pedophilia guide.
I am not someone who thinks boycotts work, but this really makes me want to never ever buy anything from them.
My apologies for an upsetting post- things got serious on this blog recently!- but I learned about this earlier today and haven't been able shake it. I thought this holiday season as we all think about where we are spending our money on gifts that this might be valuable information for some people.
No need for apologies from this reader. I was also sickened when I found out about Amazon selling this book. They still carry another? Outrageous! Thanks for that info.
ReplyDeleteChris
Hello Anne, I know just how you feel. I actually wrote a post myself about this particular book here on Blogspot. It's located here if by chance you want to read it. http://questionably-sane.blogspot.com/2010/11/epic-post-of-rage.html
ReplyDeleteIt sickens me also that they chose to sell this book and not only that they did, but that they defended their right to do so. It's not violating anyone's 1st amendment rights by not choosing to offer their book. I could write a great book about motherhood and parenting and try to self-publish it as a Kindle offering and they could very easily say "No thanks, we don't want to carry this."
It's disgusting to me that they were this insensitive about a clearly illegal activity that is not only a legal issue but a moral issue and a good conscience issue as well.
I'm sorry, I didn't put that link to my blog right in my previous comment. It's located here.
ReplyDeleteAlso, that second book that the LA Times reported was still up? The listing for it doesn't exist anymore and I get a 404 error when I try to go to the link from the LA Times article. So that's a good sign that it's gone.
Pryllie: I read your pot and I am so glad you were so pro-active in contacting amazon yourself!
ReplyDeleteAnd Jess, yes I think "just idiots" sums up Amazon right now.
>>My apologies for an upsetting post
ReplyDeletePlease, dont do this. It's so pathetic..
>>suckers for cheap
:D