There is a lot of backlash to the “pinking”
of October. I understand it. Actually, I am getting a little tired of
everything being pink; items being sold with a pink ribbon on them, and
companies jumping in with pink promotions all in the name of “awareness.”
However, I am not anti-pink. Nor am I anti-pink ribbon.
I appreciate the
celebrities who advertise for a company promoting a pink item because I think they truly care. I just hope they’ve done their homework and know exactly how much money is going to the charity of choice. And how much that charity actually does for breast cancer research; both for prevention and a cure.
Turning our disease into a money-making opportunity while pretending to care has got to stop. And companies that use their usual marketing campaigns but simply pink-wash the ad and say that it is “in support of” breast cancer awareness only trivializes the reality that is breast cancer. And it is hurtful to those who are dying of breast cancer.
This is what is making everyone so angry.
I understand the anger, but I am not going to
give up my pink ribbon during October. I am going to continue to wear my pink
ribbon pin because for me the pin is a symbol and a badge of honor. It is also
an open invitation. Wearing the pin lets people know that I support the cause that
is breast cancer. When someone sees the ribbon they might choose to ask me why
I wear the ribbon. It happens. The ribbon also provides an opportunity for
someone to share, without my being intrusive.
I am not a brave person but my pink ribbon
says, “Yes, we can talk about breast cancer if you’d like.” And so I will
continue to wear it as a survivor, in support of others with the disease, and
as an opportunity for conversation.
If you enjoy my blog and would like to follow me on Facebook, I can be found at The Reluctant Survivor. And on Twitter @relucsurvivor.
Interesting, I have heard of companies "capitalizing" on the pink ribbon without actually directly supporting research. Do you know where there is a list of companies that do actually support breast cancer research, so someone can know when they are purchasing an item they are supporting the research and not just simply "increasing awareness"?
ReplyDeleteAmerican enterprise such as it is exploits anything to make a sale. It's sad to see that we haven't gone far beyond the snake oil salesmen of yesteryear. Keep wearing the pink ribbon though it's yours to wear and you've earned it.
ReplyDeletePink in October is discordant.. but, then, so is cancer. Great post!
ReplyDelete