American Decency Association
Encyclopedia
The American Decency Association (ADA) is a non-profit organization
associated with the Christian right
based in Fremont, Michigan
. Its principal cause is against pornography
and "indecent" media. The ADA was founded in 1999 by former elementary school teacher
, Bill Johnson, the first-named state director of the American Family Association
(AFA) from 1987 to 1999. The organization was formally known as the Michigan chapter of the AFA. The mission of the ADA, according to their official website, is "...to educate its members and the general public on matters of decency; to initiate, promote, encourage and coordinate activity designed to safeguard and advance public morality consistent with biblical Christianity."
s to advertisers and retailers who indirectly support media that the organization views as indecent. The ADA recognizes the power of the media consumer
to influence what media that sources choose to portray. The ADA focuses especially on lobbying advertisers for media they find indecent through letter-writing. They are active in many different mediums, but especially television, radio, and magazines. The ADA also produces an e-mail newsletter informing their members of current campaigns and issues, urging them to action.
, participated and led a boycott of Abercrombie & Fitch
, a popular clothing retailer. The boycott was in response to the planned publication of the A&F Quarterly
, which contains images of nude models. A&F chose not to publish the magalog
, and A&F Chairman and CEO Mike Jeffries claimed that this was a response to the September 11 attacks in 2001. The ADA viewed the boycott as a success, albeit a temporary one, since A&F would publish another issue in January 2002.
The ADA continues to take issue with the marketing strategies of the retailer, and in a July 21, 2006 e-mail newsletter, the ADA reported in-store pictures of a man with no underwear wearing unbuttoned pants, and a woman covering her bare breasts with her hands. Also, the newsletter reported a picture on the A&F website of a topless woman laying on top of a naked man.
is a lingerie
retailer with stores in many malls. The ADA's view on the retailer is that it "sells lingerie in an inappropriate and immoral manner and therefore contributes to the sexual objectification of women and the desensitization of moral sensibilities." The ADA campaign in Michigan malls uses the lobbying tactic of letter-writing and phone calls, threatening a mall-wide boycott. The ADA's mall-wide boycotts recognize the influence that all of the other stores in the malls may have on Victoria’s Secret, since a mall-wide boycott is disruptive to all stores, regardless of their standing with the ADA.
The motive of the campaign has been attacked by at least one independent media source, which claims that the ADA is only interested in promoting biblical morality in secular society, and while they disapprove of the objectification of women, the motive is focused on the indecency and immorality of the marketing techniques, instead of the advancement of women’s rights.
, who was disbarred for inappropriate conduct in 2008, filed U.S. Federal Communications Commission
(FCC)indecency complaints about shock jock
Howard Stern
against various radio stations across the country. The ADA also mounted a letter-writing campaign, focusing on Clear Channel
advertisers Dunkin' Donuts, Snapple, Bumble Bee Tuna, Geico and Warner Lambert. According to Bill Johnson, these advertisers pulled their advertisements from the show. The ADA further claims that 16,548 advertisers were contacted, and 90% of those advertisers, or 15,011 of those withdrew their advertisements from the show. The ADA takes credit for Stern’s departure from standard radio onto satellite radio in 2006. A MediaWeek
reporter attempted to contact these advertisers, and Clear Channel for comment, but calls were not returned. On station monitored by the ADA since 1998, then WRQC-FM in Minneapolis, relinquished Stern’s radio show in August 1999, and changed their call letters to WCOL. The VP and general manager of WCOL, Marc Kalman responded negatively to claims that they were influenced by the ADA to drop the show.
dance group, “Automotion” members in swimsuits. The calendar was given away to fans during a December basketball game, and then sold to legal adults for $13 in Pistons’ stores. A member of the ADA described the calendar as “legalized prostitution
.” The ADA opposed the calendar by means of its e-mail newsletter, and said that since the basketball team counted women and young children among its fans, the calendar was inappropriate. The proceeds of the calendar went to charity.
In January 2006, Brother Rice High, a Michigan Catholic school disinvited Automotion to an alumni fundraising event after repeated urging by the ADA. The ADA held that the event "legitimizes pornography and the objectification of women." Though the high school’s decision was made in response to public pressure instead of an admission of wrongdoing by the principal, the ADA still viewed it as a victory. The dancers planned to donate their time to the fundraising event.
is a video and game rental chain, with some stores that offer an “adults only” section. It is one of the few national chains with select stores that offer pornography
. The Movie Gallery has been actively picketed by members of the ADA, and members are encouraged to call the corporate headquarters and threaten a boycott.
groups including the Family Research Council
, Focus on the Family
, who both received a little over a million dollars in 2003 and 2004, and 2003 and 2005, respectively. The Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation also gave money to the Promise Keepers
, and the Concerned Women for America
. Many other local and national groups associated with the religious right have received money from the Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation.
The ADA also accepts online donations from members and supporters on their website.
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
associated with the Christian right
Christian right
Christian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
based in Fremont, Michigan
Fremont, Michigan
Fremont is a city in Newaygo County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 4,081 at the 2010 census.- History :The first inhabitants of the Fremont area were native Americans. A group of settlers led by Daniel Weaver first settled in the area in 1855. The Weaver homestead served as the...
. Its principal cause is against pornography
Pornography
Pornography or porn is the explicit portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purposes of sexual arousal and erotic satisfaction.Pornography may use any of a variety of media, ranging from books, magazines, postcards, photos, sculpture, drawing, painting, animation, sound recording, film, video,...
and "indecent" media. The ADA was founded in 1999 by former elementary school teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
, Bill Johnson, the first-named state director of the American Family Association
American Family Association
The American Family Association is a 501 non-profit organization that promotes conservative Christian values, such as opposition to same-sex marriage, pornography, and abortion, as well as other public policy goals such as deregulation of the oil industry and lobbying against the Employee Free...
(AFA) from 1987 to 1999. The organization was formally known as the Michigan chapter of the AFA. The mission of the ADA, according to their official website, is "...to educate its members and the general public on matters of decency; to initiate, promote, encourage and coordinate activity designed to safeguard and advance public morality consistent with biblical Christianity."
Activism
The tactic of choice for the ADA is letter-writing and threatening boycottBoycott
A boycott is an act of voluntarily abstaining from using, buying, or dealing with a person, organization, or country as an expression of protest, usually for political reasons...
s to advertisers and retailers who indirectly support media that the organization views as indecent. The ADA recognizes the power of the media consumer
Consumer
Consumer is a broad label for any individuals or households that use goods generated within the economy. The concept of a consumer occurs in different contexts, so that the usage and significance of the term may vary.-Economics and marketing:...
to influence what media that sources choose to portray. The ADA focuses especially on lobbying advertisers for media they find indecent through letter-writing. They are active in many different mediums, but especially television, radio, and magazines. The ADA also produces an e-mail newsletter informing their members of current campaigns and issues, urging them to action.
Abercrombie & Fitch campaign
In 2001, the ADA, along with the Concerned Women for AmericaConcerned Women for America
Concerned Women for America is a conservative Christian public policy group active in the United States best known for its stance against abortion...
, participated and led a boycott of Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch
Abercrombie & Fitch is an American retailer that focuses on casual wear for consumers aged 18 to 22. It has over 300 locations in the United States, and is expanding internationally....
, a popular clothing retailer. The boycott was in response to the planned publication of the A&F Quarterly
A&F Quarterly
A&F Quarterly is an American lifestyle periodical by Abercrombie & Fitch. Targeted towards the college-aged youth , the Quarterly primarily serves as a promotional vehicle for the A&F brand...
, which contains images of nude models. A&F chose not to publish the magalog
Magalog
A magalog is a promotional copy of a magazine, usually in a 12-page catalog format. The name is a portmanteau of "magazine" and "catalog". Magalogs help introduce magazines to new readers. It can also help existing readers see new or upcoming changes, additions, or improvements to the magazine...
, and A&F Chairman and CEO Mike Jeffries claimed that this was a response to the September 11 attacks in 2001. The ADA viewed the boycott as a success, albeit a temporary one, since A&F would publish another issue in January 2002.
The ADA continues to take issue with the marketing strategies of the retailer, and in a July 21, 2006 e-mail newsletter, the ADA reported in-store pictures of a man with no underwear wearing unbuttoned pants, and a woman covering her bare breasts with her hands. Also, the newsletter reported a picture on the A&F website of a topless woman laying on top of a naked man.
Victoria's Secret campaign
Victoria's SecretVictoria's Secret
Victoria's Secret is an American retailer of women's wear, lingerie and beauty products. It is the largest segment of publicly-traded Limited Brands with sales of over US$5 billion and an operating income of $1 billion in 2006...
is a lingerie
Lingerie
Lingerie are fashionable and possibly alluring undergarments.Lingerie usually incorporates one or more flexible, stretchy materials like Lycra, nylon , polyester, satin, lace, silk and sheer fabric which are not typically used in more functional, basic cotton undergarments.The term in the French...
retailer with stores in many malls. The ADA's view on the retailer is that it "sells lingerie in an inappropriate and immoral manner and therefore contributes to the sexual objectification of women and the desensitization of moral sensibilities." The ADA campaign in Michigan malls uses the lobbying tactic of letter-writing and phone calls, threatening a mall-wide boycott. The ADA's mall-wide boycotts recognize the influence that all of the other stores in the malls may have on Victoria’s Secret, since a mall-wide boycott is disruptive to all stores, regardless of their standing with the ADA.
The motive of the campaign has been attacked by at least one independent media source, which claims that the ADA is only interested in promoting biblical morality in secular society, and while they disapprove of the objectification of women, the motive is focused on the indecency and immorality of the marketing techniques, instead of the advancement of women’s rights.
Howard Stern campaign
The ADA, along with Florida attorney Jack ThompsonJack Thompson (attorney)
John Bruce "Jack" Thompson is an American activist and disbarred attorney, based in Coral Gables, Florida. Thompson is known for his role as an anti-video-game activist, particularly against violence and sex in video games....
, who was disbarred for inappropriate conduct in 2008, filed U.S. Federal Communications Commission
Federal Communications Commission
The Federal Communications Commission is an independent agency of the United States government, created, Congressional statute , and with the majority of its commissioners appointed by the current President. The FCC works towards six goals in the areas of broadband, competition, the spectrum, the...
(FCC)indecency complaints about shock jock
Shock jock
Shock jock is a slang term used to describe a type of any radio broadcaster who attracts attention using humor that a significant portion of the listening audience may find offensive. The term is usually used pejoratively to describe provocative or irreverent broadcasters whose mannerisms,...
Howard Stern
Howard Stern
Howard Allan Stern is an American radio personality, television host, author, and actor best known for his radio show, which was nationally syndicated from 1986 to 2005. He gained wide recognition in the 1990s where he was labeled a "shock jock" for his outspoken and sometimes controversial style...
against various radio stations across the country. The ADA also mounted a letter-writing campaign, focusing on Clear Channel
Clear channel
A clear-channel station is an AM band Radio station in North America that has the highest protection from interference from other stations, particularly concerning night-time skywave propagation. Usually known as class A stations since 1982, they are occasionally still referred to by their former...
advertisers Dunkin' Donuts, Snapple, Bumble Bee Tuna, Geico and Warner Lambert. According to Bill Johnson, these advertisers pulled their advertisements from the show. The ADA further claims that 16,548 advertisers were contacted, and 90% of those advertisers, or 15,011 of those withdrew their advertisements from the show. The ADA takes credit for Stern’s departure from standard radio onto satellite radio in 2006. A MediaWeek
MediaWeek
MediaWeek is a trade magazine serving the Australian newspaper, television, radio, magazine and advertising industries. MediaWeek is published as a weekday email digest and weekly hard copy magazine...
reporter attempted to contact these advertisers, and Clear Channel for comment, but calls were not returned. On station monitored by the ADA since 1998, then WRQC-FM in Minneapolis, relinquished Stern’s radio show in August 1999, and changed their call letters to WCOL. The VP and general manager of WCOL, Marc Kalman responded negatively to claims that they were influenced by the ADA to drop the show.
Detroit Pistons Dancers
In 2006, the ADA opposed the distribution of a calendar depicting Detroit PistonsDetroit Pistons
The Detroit Pistons are a franchise of the National Basketball Association based in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The team's home arena is The Palace of Auburn Hills. It was originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the Fort Wayne Pistons as a member of the National Basketball League in 1941, where...
dance group, “Automotion” members in swimsuits. The calendar was given away to fans during a December basketball game, and then sold to legal adults for $13 in Pistons’ stores. A member of the ADA described the calendar as “legalized prostitution
Prostitution
Prostitution is the act or practice of providing sexual services to another person in return for payment. The person who receives payment for sexual services is called a prostitute and the person who receives such services is known by a multitude of terms, including a "john". Prostitution is one of...
.” The ADA opposed the calendar by means of its e-mail newsletter, and said that since the basketball team counted women and young children among its fans, the calendar was inappropriate. The proceeds of the calendar went to charity.
In January 2006, Brother Rice High, a Michigan Catholic school disinvited Automotion to an alumni fundraising event after repeated urging by the ADA. The ADA held that the event "legitimizes pornography and the objectification of women." Though the high school’s decision was made in response to public pressure instead of an admission of wrongdoing by the principal, the ADA still viewed it as a victory. The dancers planned to donate their time to the fundraising event.
Movie Gallery
The Movie GalleryMovie Gallery
Movie Gallery, Inc. was the second largest movie and game rental company in the United States, behind Blockbuster Video. The company rented and sold Blu-ray Discs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and video games...
is a video and game rental chain, with some stores that offer an “adults only” section. It is one of the few national chains with select stores that offer pornography
Pornography
Pornography or porn is the explicit portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purposes of sexual arousal and erotic satisfaction.Pornography may use any of a variety of media, ranging from books, magazines, postcards, photos, sculpture, drawing, painting, animation, sound recording, film, video,...
. The Movie Gallery has been actively picketed by members of the ADA, and members are encouraged to call the corporate headquarters and threaten a boycott.
Magazines
The ADA campaigns against the following magazines in two ways—first, by pressuring grocery and convenience stores to remove the magazines from the checkout aisles, and second, by monitoring the companies that purchase advertising in the magazines, and pressuring those companies through letter-writing.- CosmopolitanCosmopolitan (magazine)Cosmopolitan is an international magazine for women. It was first published in 1886 in the United States as a family magazine, was later transformed into a literary magazine and eventually became a women's magazine in the late 1960s...
- GlamourGlamour (magazine)Glamour is a women's magazine published by Condé Nast Publications. Founded in 1939 in the United States, it was originally called Glamour of Hollywood....
- StuffStuff (magazine)Stuff is a men's magazine featuring reviews of consumer electronics, and other articles of interest to a predominantly male audience.- UK edition :...
- MaximMaxim (magazine)Maxim is an international men's magazine based in the United Kingdom and known for its pictorials featuring popular actresses, singers, and female models, sometimes pictured dressed, often pictured scantily dressed but not fully nude....
- FHMFHMFHM, originally published as For Him Magazine, is an international monthly men's lifestyle magazine.- History :The magazine began publication in 1985 in the United Kingdom under the name For Him and changed its title to FHM in 1994 when Emap Consumer Media bought the magazine, although the full For...
Television
The ADA provides a list of television advertisers for selected networks, and monitors shows on the major networks for indecency.Supporters
The ADA receives some funding from the Holland-based Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation, which funds many other Christian rightChristian right
Christian right is a term used predominantly in the United States to describe "right-wing" Christian political groups that are characterized by their strong support of socially conservative policies...
groups including the Family Research Council
Family Research Council
The Family Research Council is a conservative or right-wing Christian group and lobbying organization formed in the United States in 1981 by James Dobson. It was fully incorporated in 1983...
, Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family
Focus on the Family is an American evangelical Christian tax-exempt non-profit organization founded in 1977 by psychologist James Dobson, and is based in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Focus on the Family is one of a number of evangelical parachurch organizations that rose to prominence in the 1980s...
, who both received a little over a million dollars in 2003 and 2004, and 2003 and 2005, respectively. The Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation also gave money to the Promise Keepers
Promise Keepers
Promise Keepers is an international conservative Christian organization for men. While it originated in the United States, it is now world-wide...
, and the Concerned Women for America
Concerned Women for America
Concerned Women for America is a conservative Christian public policy group active in the United States best known for its stance against abortion...
. Many other local and national groups associated with the religious right have received money from the Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation.
The ADA also accepts online donations from members and supporters on their website.