Target’s association with a clothing designer who used satanic images to “make a statement” about alleged anti-LGBT “hate” would seem to indicate that they have learned from the Bud Light fiasco that getting involved in the culture wars is not a wise business decision.
Mark Levin, a conservative commentator who is often referred to as “the man with no lessons,” announced Wednesday on Twitter that Target had informed his publisher that the company would not sell his upcoming book entitled “The Democrat Party Hates America,” in its stores in September because some customers might be frightened by the cover.
“Target has informed my publisher, Simon & Schuster, that it will not carry my new book when it is released on September 19. It claims that certain customers might be offended by the title. Imagine that! So, the corporatist leftwing censorship begins. I will discuss this in more detail on this evening’s radio show. However, I’d like to encourage you to go to http://Amazon.com and pre-order your discounted copies. Let’s send a big message and drive pre-order sales way up on Amazon’s list. Thank you!”
Prominent Republican politicos like Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) responded accordingly to the news and in the process helped amplify Levin’s tweet all the more, prompting more outcry in conservative circles.
Target has responded by releasing a statement stating that although they initially were concerned about using the word “hate”, they would still be stocking this product in their stores:
We’ve been pre-selling this book since mid-June. Target will sell Mark Levin’s newest book, as they have done with his previous books. Many of them are available at Target. The word “hate” in the title prompted our team to contact the publisher. However, as stated above, we will continue to offer the book for pre-sale and it will be for sale when its release date arrives. We apologize for any confusion caused by this situation.
Levin declared victory after the incident, thanking his supporters for “free speech” and “market capitalism”, and correctly noting that “the silent majority is no longer silent.”
“Target has just informed my publisher it will accept my new book at its stores when it is released.”
Your patriotism will help conservative writers and audiences around the world. I am so proud of you, not just for the outcome of this case (because there will be many more), but also because you have made it clear you will use your immense power. The silent majority has ceased to be silent. Radio will be the place where I discuss this in greater detail. “God bless you and I salute and thank all of you.”
Target just informed my publisher that it has reversed course and will be taking my new book in its stores upon its release.
You folks are an immense force for free speech and market capitalism, and conservative authors and audiences everywhere will benefit from your patriotism.… pic.twitter.com/sCesaXgRKB
— Mark R. Levin (@marklevinshow) July 6, 2023
Levin’s new book, which will be released on September 19th, is available in other stores for those who would rather shop elsewhere. Just saying.
