I just called our local library today to confirm the use of their display
case during the month of August for Breastfeeding Awareness.  The librarian
I spoke to said that the woman in charge of the display had gotten my
request and was a little reluctant to let us use it.  She wanted to be
assured that everything we displayed would be discreet and in good taste (!)
since "we do have a lot of children in here."  I remained very calm and
assured her that everything we do is in good taste (just ask my twins--they
say it's yummy!) and I would be happy to meet with her regarding what we
were going to display.  I then received a call back saying that she was
sorry that she had forgotten to mention that she reserves the right to
remove any part of the display or the whole thing if she receives any
complaints (!)--she would call me and let me know should this occur.  She
assured me that this is something they tell ALL exhibitors, "not just you."

I'm sad and mad (as my daughter would say) about this whole exchange.  The
mad part:  Obviously, we've been mistaken for Hustler or Penthouse instead
of mothers who would like to share their knowledge and support with other
moms.  Why are WE suspect?  Do I make millions of dollars while babies waste
away?  Am I gouging families, engaging in questionable business practices?
Do I fix prices?  Why is this woman going to take a magnifying glass to our
display to see if she can see a shadow of a nipple when she wouldn't even
bat an eye at an ABM rep handing out free ABM at the local food bank?!

The sad part:  This is the way things are in 1996 in a small town in
Mississippi.  What's even sadder is that this and similar exchanges go on
everyday in my town and your town, too.

Any words of wisdom?  What would you say or do?  Care to share your snappy
comebacks with me (things you'd LOVE to say to people like this but you
don't think of it until after you hang up the phone).  Humor me--I need it!
Anything you'd like to send me to include in my display?!?

Stay well,
Kendall Cox
in the Mississippi Delta