Funny thing, I received an e-mail yesterday from a dear friend. She asked about my opinion on the "pink issue". Do I think it is offensive when people "commiserate with a breast cancer survivor by buying pink stuff?". I have been thinking about this a lot lately. I hope that this post may be a bit more s"structured" than the response I sent her, but if you don't feel like reading a long post, you better go read something else!
In short the answer is "Yes, mostly yes at least"! Let me explain...
There is the
emotional issue:
1. I do wear a pink bracelet because it makes a statement. It helped me feel a bit more secure when I was hairless, because I hoped that those staring would see it and feel stupid. I am saying "I AM A SURVIVOR!" when I wear it, and my family members that wear it, say "we are on her side".
2. Those people that buy pink junk and feel nice and cozy at night because they "did something" tend to be the same people that turn their head at the sight of a hairless girl and "whisper" to their friend "look at her". There is a lot I could say about those people, in the end I hope they never have to experience the pain comments like that can cause!
3. Pink IS the WRONG color. Pink is a very "cute" color. Let me tell you there is nothing CUTE or SEXY about breast cancer. It is HORRIBLE, PAINFUL, UGLY! Going through treatments is not cute either. Nor is recovery. Also, pink is a "girly" color. Men are affected by breast cancer, too. Now not as often as women, sure. But that makes it that much harder for men that are affected, I think?! Some suggest a barb wire ribbon to represent cancer. Barb wire because it is a tough, painful, difficult thing. I think green could be a good color, green is the color of hope-something we all need-, as well as, the color of MONEY!
4. There are many women out there, that feel like "celebrating" is certainly the wrong term. We are suffering. We are tired. We are sick. We are mourning.
In the end it seems, life is always about money, so is this issue:
5. Let's think this through. Do you think a pink tote, flag, ribbon, shoe, scooter...(fill in any of the "pink" products) makes a difference in finding a cure?! Really? I don't think so. It's marketing. A way to make the customer buy the company's junk, just because "it has the pink ribbon" on it. Well, look into it. Not everything that is pink helps "finding a cure" or "supports survivors". I am serious, companies all over the world use pink to up sales...Yes, there are several organizations and foundations in the cancer research field that are worth supporting, but be picky!
6. It's lack of proper treatment and too late detection that causes people to die of breast cancer. I was lucky, I did my self-exam and pushed my Dr. to investigate the matter. There are too many women that neglect their self-exam, or may not even know what to look for when doing it. There are too many women that cannot afford a mammogra, don't even talk about treatment. Let's push for more research funds, for more treatment options, for better health care, for a health system that allows anybody to get the treatment they need to survive without financially ruining themselves. I am fortunate. I live in a country were I am protected. I still have my job. My treatment is almost entirely paid for by the insurance. I even get paid most of my salary. Imagine the same scenario in the US were I worked as an hourly for one of the bigger companies -that's right, M. and I would be financially ruined, that's a sure thing. Doing your part in changing that is worth a million more than wearing pink shoes.
7. Finally, look at WHO is supporting the pink campaign. Let's take Estee Lauder as an example, they have a big campaign called "the pledge" or something. Well, their products are filled, I mean jam packed, with known carcinogens...Yes, those creams and lotions "may" cause cancer. It's the same as when Philip Morris has little "how to quit smoking" pamphlets in their smokes packs. STUPID! MESSED UP!
In the end, my friends, it takes more than buying stuff, talking about being a supporter, or posting on facebook what color bra you are wearing...
You are no supporter of breast cancer awareness because you buy a pink ribbon.
You are no environmentalist because you donate money to Greenpeace.
You are no Christian because you wear a cross.
You are no Buddhist because you like what the Dalai Lama says.
You are no humanitarian because you donate your old stuff to the Salvation Army.
You are not a punk because you have green hair.
Yes, you are busy! I know, we all are! But if you want to stand for something than, in my opinion, you should a) know what it is you stand for b) own it and not just say "I am__"
I know-that's a lot!
If you are more interested to find out more about this, look up:
http://www.stopbreastcancer.org/ --> though keep in mind, that they too are competing for funds!
And if you want to support a breast cancer survivor you can do more than buying pink stuff-call, just to talk. Let her/him cry. Let her/him complain without telling them that life isn't that bad..I could go on and on with good advice, but being a
friend is ultimately the right thing to do!
Do you have an opinion on the topic?
Lots of love!
~H.
PS: This is just my opinion...
