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Child Item

Won't somebody please think of the children? Adult Store opens in Drumcondra

Muahahaha

The owners of the online shop Playblue have opened a bricks and mortar shop in Drumcondra right opposite to a boys primary school. RTE News sent cameras down and there was dozens of concerned parents protesting outside, backed up by FG politicians. They're outraged that an adult shop is setting up so close to a school and want it shut down. The shop owner responds to them by saying there is nothing in his shop that cannot be found by any child on a smartphone.
Drumcondra is home to the Archbishop of Dublin and much of the senior Catholic clergy, I'm sticking the popcorn on for this one :pac:

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One eyed Jack

steddyeddy wrote: »

Why do you get to push your sense of morality on people? That has more of an ill effect on children than a discreet adult shop.

Isn't that exactly what some people are doing here though?

Like I said, I personally wouldn't have a problem with a sex shop opening in town, there's plenty of 'em about, but none of those are near a school.

El Guapo! wrote: »

See what stuff??
Sex shops don't have dildos hanging out of the front windows and gimps walking up and down outside.

Of the sex shops I can think of, some of them have window displays of women in lingerie, and some of them advertise their wares blatantly in the shop windows. I'd say that was anything but discreet myself tbh, and it's not as though a sex shop couldn't simply relocate elsewhere.

I think the owner probably saw sense and realised that locating near a school would be bad for their business reputation anyway tbh.

Ranchu

Cold War Kid wrote: »

I see the thread has reached "Say anything even vaguely negative in relation to something sexual and you're a prude/repressed/espousing the view that sex is wrong" stage.

I think it's more a case of people being pissed off with general moralising. To me it's akin to vegetarians protesting butchers or skinny people protesting a chipper.

Cold War Kid

steddyeddy wrote: »

Feck it I was in Miss Fantasia's a few times with a girl I was with. So what? I like sex and I like women dressed as sexy nurses.

Without meaning to be a dick, that's not really relevant as this isn't about you.

These protestors just need a good hard plowing to be honest.

Not wanting a sex shop near their kids' school probably means that? Nah, not wanting a sex shop near a school is not the same as not wanting any sex shops to exist.

RDM_83 again

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

Doesn't answer my question: what is she worried about them seeing? Realistically, so?

As per my link some sex shops (in Dublin) have open displays of adult "equipment"

Cold War Kid wrote: »

Sex shops aren't just about "sex" in and of itself anyway, they're about fetishes and kinks moreso IMO.

They're for people who don't have sex, people that enjoy elaborately not having sex, and people that enjoy overpriced really cheap looking costumes

steddyeddy

MonsterCookie wrote: »

So by expressing my views equates to pushing my sense of morality on people?

But it's ok for you to push your sense of morality on people.

Am I protesting against your views and making it hard for you to express them? You are protesting against a legitimate business. I am giving you my view. That does not equate to protesting against a business.

steddyeddy

Cold War Kid wrote: »

Without meaning to be a dick, that's not really relevant as this isn't about you.

Not wanting a sex shop near their kids' school probably means that? Nah, not wanting a sex shop near a school is not the same as not wanting any sex shops to exist.

What about pubs near a school? As I say complete double standard.

aloyisious

RDM_83 again wrote: »

This is the place I was talking about in a previous post, so yeah they might actually have some pretty explicit stuff in the window.

https://www.google.ie/maps/@53.344786,-6.264826,3a,75y,244.51h,76.17t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sJDoWyzBRSLRtYLDz3__JmQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

Just curious-like, would you have chosen that particular shop over any other "sex" shop in Dublin to highlight your feelings on the topic? And before you ask, I do know that shop is different from most of the other "sex" shops.

MonsterCookie

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

Doesn't answer my question: what is she worried about them seeing that could aversly effect the child? Realistically, so?

Was trying to answer your question which was multiple choice I.e. 'See stuff' or sneak in.

In general, sex shops can be discreet but don't have to be. Also, irish sex shops tend to be quite seedy and attract a wide range of types from the ordinary to the downright creepy.

Is it so hard to understand that a parent would want to at least make their feelings known? I understand you are in Berlin so would welcome your views based on your experience there.

steddyeddy

But it's not really that near the school is it?

[Deleted User]

arayess wrote: »

I think it would be better if sex was seen as a normal thing and not something secretive and down dark alleys.

murpho999 wrote: »

Catholic Ireland really needs to grow up and rid itself of it's 'sex is shameful' hang ups.

I know and know of not a single person who thinks anything like the above. Maybe there were elements of those attitudes 30 years ago, but I've never encountered anything like it.

Since when has ANYONE ever thought of sex as not normal anyway?

MonsterCookie

steddyeddy wrote: »

Am I protesting against your views and making it hard for you to express them? You are protesting against a legitimate business. I am giving you my view. That does not equate to protesting against a business.

Legitimate business does not trump all other considerations.

steddyeddy

Candie wrote: »

I know and know of not a single person who thinks anything like the above. Maybe there were elements of those attitudes 30 years ago, but I've never encountered anything like it.

Since when has ANYONE ever thought of sex as not normal anyway?

I'm afraid they are still about Candie. I know at least two devout Catholics in science that believe sex before marriage isn't normal.

MonsterCookie

steddyeddy wrote: »

But it's not really that near the school is it?

Yes it is. Within 100 yards and visible from yard where 1st and 2nd class kids play.

But I'm guessing you won't take my word for it.

Billy86

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

Considering there are sex shops all over the place here (Berlin) and no one gives a toss where they are in relation to schools and so on, perehaps you could ask said Mrs as to why are Irish kids more suscpetible than German kids?

The Germans have less repressed and more mature parents, hence they are less susceptible.

steddyeddy

MonsterCookie wrote: »

Legitimate business does not trump all other considerations.

I was just pointing out that it was you and not me protesting. So I am hardly the one pushing my morality on someone.

steddyeddy

Billy86 wrote: »

The Germans have less repressed and more mature parents, hence they are less susceptible.

Indeed. I have a lot of time for the German view of things. For too long we lived under a twisted morality associated with Catholicism. It would make for a more healthy society if we were less repressed.

steddyeddy

MonsterCookie wrote: »

Yes it is. Within 100 yards and visible from yard where 1st and 2nd class kids play.

But I'm guessing you won't take my word for it.

I will take your word for it. I just think it's over reacting to insist on closing. Could you not meet with the owner and get a guarantee that it would be discreet?

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

MonsterCookie wrote: »

Was trying to answer your question which was multiple choice I.e. 'See stuff' or sneak in.

In general, sex shops can be discreet but don't have to be. Also, irish sex shops tend to be quite seedy and attract a wide range of types from the ordinary to the downright creepy.

Is it so hard to understand that a parent would want to at least make their feelings known? I understand you are in Berlin so would welcome your views based on your experience there.

They can say whateve they want, but you still haven;t answered my question: what are they scared of?

In Berlin, there seems to be a distinction between costumes and toys. In Shoneberg (gay district) costumes such as gimp suits, mild leather based bdsm gear, jock straps and so on is blantantly on display, but actual toys are kept inside more discretely. The location is unimportant - kids are just as likely to pass a shop window whether it's 100 yards away form their school or half a mile away on the way home.

What questions get asked and how parents deal with them, I don't know. I'm guessing maturely as opposed to freaking out and trying to get the places shut down.

Therein lies my problem with the protests: the kids aren't bothered about this, but the parents are. But when you ask what their concerns are, no one seems to put a mature relaistic asnwer to it.

Billy86 wrote: »

The Germans have less repressed and more mature parents, hence they are less susceptible.

This doesn;t really answer the question: yes, they may be (I beleive so) but this doesn;t make the kids any safer or less susceptible.

MonsterCookie

steddyeddy wrote: »

I will take your word for it. I just think it's over reacting to insist on closing. Could you not meet with the owner and get a guarantee that it would be discreet?

I don't think anyone could insist on it closing, as you said it was a legitimate business. The owner made the decision himself after meeting with some of the residents today.

steddyeddy

MonsterCookie wrote: »

I don't think anyone could insist on it closing, as you said it was a legitimate business. The owner made the decision himself after meeting with some of the residents today.

Yea that's a cop out. The owner was pressured into closing.

Kop On

MonsterCookie wrote: »

I don't think anyone could insist on it closing, as you said it was a legitimate business. The owner made the decision himself after meeting with some of the residents today.

Your missus and the other protestors really have little to be worrying about.

MonsterCookie

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

They can say whateve they want, but you still haven;t answered my question: what are they scared of?

In Berlin, there seems to be a distinction between costumes and toys. In Shoneberg (gay district) costumes such as gimp suits, mild leather based bdsm gear, jock straps and so on is blantantly on display, but actual toys are kept inside more discretely. The location is unimportant - kids are just as likely to pass a shop window whether it's 100 yards away form their school or half a mile away on the way home.

What questions get asked and how parents deal with them, I don't know. I'm guessing maturely as opposed to freaking out and trying to get the places shut down.

Therein lies my problem with the protests: the kids aren't bothered about this, but the parents are. But when you ask what their concerns are, no one seems to put a mature relaistic asnwer to it.

This doesn;t really answer the question: yes, they may be (I beleive so) but this doesn;t make the kids any safer or less susceptible.

I did answer your question, but then you changed it. 'What don't you want your kid to see' became 'what are you scared of'. You seem to have got the impression i was freaking out? None of the protesters freaked out. It was all quite relaxed actually...mature even!

RDM_83 again

aloyisious wrote: »

Would you have chosen that particular shop over any other "sex" shop in Dublin to highlight your feelings on the topic? And before you ask, I do know that shop is different from most of the other "sex" shops.

Well not sure if I am answering your question but a few years back I used to walk past it everyday so know what the displays are like, presumably once a shop can open they can display products like those shown in the example if they wish.
Its not weird to think that young children shouldn't be exposed to the more extreme end of BSDM paraphernalia, thats not an repressed anti-kinkyness statement rather its realistic that they will not comprehend the associated stuff like consent safety respect

Princess Consuela Bananahammock

MonsterCookie wrote: »

I did answer your question, but then you changed it. 'What don't you want your kid to see' became 'what are you scared of'. You seem to have got the impression i was freaking out? None of the protesters freaked out. It was all quite relaxed actually...mature even!

I rephrased the question because the first one was a bit erroneous and implied that you were worried about the kids "seeing" something or doing something when that may not be the case at all.

I never said "you" freaked out: it was your wife that was there, I believe...? In any case, it's more a figure of speech. The implication os that you/she still felt it nessecary to devote the time to protest against something that you can't explain your protestations to. You just say "it's near a school" as if that explains something.

One eyed Jack

Kop On wrote: »

Your missus and the other protestors really have little to be worrying about.

And now they have one less thing to worry about.

I'd say the owner isn't too likely to be troubled either after giving the idea some proper thought.

DivingDuck

Totally unsuitable location, IMO.

Who wants to pop in to pick up something for the weekend and have to walk past a cluster of tutting mothers and curious kids?!

In all seriousness, though, I feel they could have picked a better spot. I think they'll have fewer customers on account of the school, and surely they'll be chasing kids out on a regular basis...?

While I don't believe in prudism, I believe think it's reasonable that parents shouldn't be put in the position of explaining to a young child what various sex toys are for because they've seen them on the school run. Sex and sexuality is an important topic of conversation for all parents and children, but it should happen when both parties are ready for it, not because the child's friend pointed out a giant dildo in a shop window.

Is it too cynical to wonder if this location was chosen in part because of the press and discussion it would generate? A sex shop opening in the city isn't generally news anymore, certainly not the way it would have been twenty or thirty years ago.

Billy86

RDM_83 again wrote: »

They're for people who don't have sex, people that enjoy elaborately not having sex, and people that enjoy overpriced really cheap looking costumes

Well that was wildly inaccurate.

MonsterCookie

Princess Consuela Bananahammock wrote: »

I rephrased the question because the first one was a bit erroneous and implied that you were worried about the kids "seeing" something when that may not be the case at all.

I never said "you" freaked out: it was your wife that was there, I believe...? In any case, it's more a figure of speech. The implication os that you/she still felt it nessecary to devote the time to protest against something that you can't explain your protestations to. You just say "it's near a school" as if that explains something.

So, we don't want our son to see the **** in the window or to encounter creepy characters that might be drawn to the shop.

Billy86

MonsterCookie wrote: »

In general, sex shops can be discreet but don't have to be. Also, irish sex shops tend to be quite seedy and attract a wide range of types from the ordinary to the downright creepy.

Funny how things can have a tendency to get like that when pushed underground, eh?

MonsterCookie

Billy86 wrote: »

Funny how things can have a tendency to get like that when pushed underground, eh?

I don't have a problem with sex shops in general and would prefer they weren't pushed underground. It was the location I had an issue with.