Changing Culture

I read the nutrition label, made some rough estimates in my head, decided that the small package of sunflower kernels was worth the fifty cent price tag, and began to pull the package off of its hangar, when I was visually assaulted by the cover of a magazine directly above the sunflower seeds. It was so offensive that I let go of the package, leaving it on the hangar, and bolted out of the small store immediately. The next time that model poses for any camera, I hope that she covers up, clothing herself with a stylish modesty that says, “I am intelligent enough to be modest with my beauty,” rather than, “Lust over me, for I get paid to attract attention while discarding my own dignity.” As I raced out, the cashier and I exchanged glances. I was disgusted, and he was confused.

The next day, I went to a corner store in that same area. Instead of having lots of practically pornographic magazine displays, the store had the usual variety of foods. In the environment of this store, it was easier for me to see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil. I showed the cashier a publication from Human Life Alliance, with a baby girl on the cover. Inside were powerful images of life in the womb, undeniable evidence that abortion terminates a distinct, individual, living human being. Information about the stages of fetal development accompanied the images. I pointed out the image of a child smiling during a 4-D ultrasound, then asked him if he would like a few, to give to his patrons. He said that he would, and showed me where they could be placed, directly below the cashier’s counter. I felt like I’d just been given free box-office tickets to a Yankees game. People were going to see these attractive publications, ask about the price, and wonder why they didn’t have to pay for a publication that had better color and more interesting writing than publications people pay good money for. Then when they read it, they would hang on every word. I left two or three publications, and decided to return in a few days.

Traditionally used for news and entertainment, print media like the Human Life Alliance publications that Expectant Mother Care distributes communicate effectively. From handing out these publications on the sidewalks, I’ve watched as people read these publications. Their expressions are nothing like those of people who are reading a newspaper, magazine, novel, or other source of entertainment. These women and men know that they are reading something very significant to the fabric of their culture, something very central to their existence, and essential to the existence of their progeny. On the cover, a yellow label draws attention to an abundance of contact information for Expectant Mother Care’s many resource centers. Yesterday, one young reader was so captivated by what she was reading, that I asked if she would like more for her friends. She made a mental count, and took three. After talking with her a little more, I explained that at an Expectant Mother Care center, she could learn more about prenatal development and abortion.

In the centers, Expectant Mother Care serves the victims of a culture that has saturated itself with entertainment that revolves around sex. On the sidewalks, EMC is using the mediums of entertainment to change culture, and let New York City know that there are alternatives to abortion.