Father upset by explicit in-store music

Farmers department stores are reviewing their music policy after a Dunedin man complained about a song featuring sexually explicit lyrics which he heard while shopping with his 10-year-old daughter.

Stuart Johnson (44) was in the toys section of Farmers' George St branch when he heard a song with the repeated lyric "You wanna get in my pants - I don't think so" play over the speaker system.

"I wasn't surprised to hear these sort of lyrics, but I was disappointed," said Dr Johnson, a bible teacher and historian.

The father of three daughters said he usually paid no attention to store music, but the volume and lyrical content of the song I Don't Think So, by American singer Kelis, made it difficult to ignore.

Dr Johnson said he was unsure if his daughter heard the lyrics but, worried over the increasing sexualisation of children, decided to write to Farmers to express his concerns.

Farmers' marketing director Dean Cook said a song with sexually explicit lyrics was "not acceptable" and the music policy would be reviewed.

To prevent unsuitable music from being played by individual stores, Farmers moved to a centrally-controlled music system four years ago, he said.

Artists known to have a "history" of offensive lyrics were not played, and the only complaints since the new system was introduced were over the early introduction of Christmas music each year.

Dr Johnson said he was pleased with Farmers' response.

University of Otago sociology lecturer Dr Lesley Procter said while the song reinforced the message it was OK to say no, it was inappropriate in a department store.

Marketing with sexual themes aimed at the pre-teen market was a "huge concern" and it was important consumers voiced their concerns, Dr Procter said.

 

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