Outrage exploded Tuesday night when Rolling Stone, a magazine that is usually reserved for rock-stars and celebrities, released the cover of their August issue featuring the Boston bombing suspect Dzhokhar Tsarnaev.
The twelve page article titled “The Bomber” includes dozens of interviews with sources that “deliver a riveting and heartbreaking account of how a charming kid with a bright feature became a monster.”
At least four retail chains have announced they will not be selling the latest issue of the publication, and tens of thousands of people have since vowed to boycott the magazine.
New England based convenience chain, Tedeschi, was the first to react. Posting on their Facebook page, “Tedeschi Food Shops supports the need to share the news with everyone, but cannot support actions that serve to glorify the evil actions of anyone… Music and terrorism don’t mix!”
CVS pharmacies followed the same route, stating they will not be selling the controversial issue. “As a company with deep roots in New England and a strong presence in Boston, we believe this is the right decision out of respect for the victims of the attack and their loved ones,” stated CVS.
With Walgreens and Rite Aid also taking a stand against the magazine, followers of the boycott are urging other companies to take action as well, including Wal-Mart, Publix, Target and Seven Eleven.
Rolling Stone editor Christian Hoard responded to the backlash on the magazine’s website by posting a statement that read, “The cover story we are publishing this week falls within the traditions of journalism and Rolling Stone’s long-standing commitment to serious and thoughtful coverage of the most important political and cultural issues of our day.”
“The fact that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev is young, and in the same age group as many of our readers, makes it all the more important for us to examine the complexities of this issue and gain a more complete understanding of how a tragedy like this happens.”
