This is not the intended impact of the #MeToo movement.
The #MeToo initiative has achieved remarkable milestones for women, empowering them to share their stories and stand in solidarity against abuse and harassment. It has unveiled the staggering reality of women’s experiences with violence and exploitation. Until recently, it was a powerful catalyst for change. However, a so-called anti-porn organization is wielding it as a weapon to further its agenda.
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) has cited the #MeToo movement as justification for Walmart’s decision to remove Cosmopolitan magazine from its checkout lines. In their statement, NCOSE claimed, “This is what real change looks like in our #MeToo culture, and NCOSE is proud to collaborate with a major corporation like Walmart to challenge sexually exploitative influences in our society. Women, men, and children are inundated daily with sexually explicit and objectifying content, not only online but also in store checkout lines.”
However, the reality is that Cosmopolitan is not about exploitation. Its open discussions surrounding women’s sexuality are empowering and essential, rather than degrading. Social media has swiftly responded, highlighting this contradiction.
Interestingly, Walmart did not mention the #MeToo movement in its announcement. They emphasized that while Cosmo will no longer be featured at checkout, it will still be available for purchase in stores. According to Walmart representatives, “As with all products in our store, we continue to evaluate our assortment and make changes. Walmart will continue to offer Cosmopolitan to customers that wish to purchase the magazine, but it will no longer be located in the checkout aisles.” They added that the decision was “primarily a business decision,” although they acknowledged the concerns raised.
Ultimately, this decision represents a regression for women’s empowerment. When women have access to knowledge about their own sexuality, they gain strength, not diminish it. Cosmopolitan serves as an important resource for that education, and making it less accessible is not progress in the era of #MeToo; it’s a step backward. For those seeking more information on related topics, check out these resources on infertility and consider exploring our article on at-home insemination kits for insights on family planning.
In summary, the move to remove Cosmopolitan from checkout lines by Walmart, influenced by the NCOSE, is a misguided attempt to address issues of sexual exploitation. Instead, it stifles the empowerment women gain from open discussions about their sexuality, which is a crucial aspect of the #MeToo movement.