Article February 16, 1987 Issue

Second Thought

Looking again at news and commentary

The New York Times

From The New York Times, March 15, 1985

"According to legend (and a song lyric from [the musical show] 'Gypsy'), to sell something you've gotta have a gimmick. In the United States, the tried-and-true gimmick is sex.

"Sex sells jeans, cars, perfume, underwear and detergents. It powers hit records, best sellers, TV dramas and videos. It's a staple of many an evening with a V.C.R. and the reason for many a celebrity's celebrity. ... The retailers are happy and so are the customers. But what about the children?

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