oncerning "Cultural Exegesis of the Abercrombie and Fitch Quarterly Catalog" (Nov. 20, 2003), I fully agree that our young people should be taught to avoid the things mentioned in the article. But the descriptive words in the article should not be included in the Adventist Review; it is a lowering of the standards.

Art Miles
Apison, Tennessee

Cindy Tutsch's article on what Abercrombie & Fitch is selling is on point. I found it enlightening and insightful. It frightens me to think what the future holds. If ever we should be guarding well the avenues to the soul it is now.

S. Peter Campbell, Sr.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

If I wanted to be informed of this type of material, I would tune into CNN or MSNBC or my local news channel. The word pictures and graphic images described in this article will surely entice any reader who has a bent in this area--men, boys, girls, women-to drop by Abercrombie and Fitch and pick up the catalog (an interesting way to introduce free porn). Though you might think being forewarned is being forearmed, it didn't prove to be the case with Adam and Eve.

I can't believe you introduced the idea into any reader's mind that 7-year-old girls wear thongs! It may be the case, but why introduce it to innocent minds? What were you thinking?

G.M.
Maryland

I just read the November 20 issue. It contained many good articles and reports, but I especially appreciated the piece about the Abercrombie and Fitch catalog and its manipulative marketing ethic toward young people. It seemed to require some action. Not wanting to act on hearsay, I hunted up their Web site and indeed found the same kind of sexually suggestive pictures and clothing, so I clicked on "Contact Us" and e-mailed them. I stated that I deplore the use of manipulative marketing techniques, especially sexually stimulating ones, and particularly for kids. I let them know that I also deplore the American trend to gradually, continually lower the age for wearing suggestive clothing. Finally, I let them know that, considering their bottom-line ethic of "sex sells" without concern for the effects on individual children or on our society, I would never buy any A&F clothes, even decent ones, for any of my six grandchildren.

I dislike, in general, being manipulated. Thus, for years I have refused to buy clothes that advertise a brand name obviously, even if I like them otherwise. Why should I allow a manufacturer to use me as a walking advertising tool?

It may not do any good, but if sales are what they want, and if they hear from enough people who want a different kind of clothing, maybe it will have some effect.

Madeline S. Johnston
Berrien Springs, Michigan