Pinktober
Most think of the big promotion in October as Halloween – well, brace yourself as all things pink appear. There will be a massive pink washing as breast cancer awareness month begins. I am a survivor. I don’t make light of that for a nanosecond. However, I have much to say about the consumerism that surrounds me and my fellow survivors. There isn’t a month-long marketing campaign for other cancers. Why this one? Think about it. There’s big money in supporting a cause that involves women and shopping.
I live down the street from the Ford dealership. Soon, their car lot will be decorated in pink balloons (lots of them) and a large sign promoting breast cancer…awareness. I guess I could just drive by, honk, and wave as I graciously thank them for their support. I may be wrong here and making a wild assumption – but, couldn’t they just donate funds privately? Use the money spent on marketing and decor to help women in need during treatment. Just a thought.
Last year, while in Bed, Bath, and Beyond, I was mesmerized as I saw brooms, mops, irons, and miscellaneous other household items being sold in pink. If you like pink, go for it. However, if you purchase said goods with the idea you are helping “the cause”; on the generous side, 1% of that goes toward said cause. The money spent on production and marketing could be used much more effectively without the waste of manufacturing stuff that will end up in storage-land until next Pinktober.
I know many are well-intentioned. People feel good contributing. We should contribute. I’m not a Debbie-downer – just aware of billions of dollars that are donated for a so-called awareness while there is little talk of prevention or cures that are less damaging to the healthy cells of our body. I have an idea. How about using the money toward a movement to end the practice of fracking. Here’s another one…ending the use of so many toxic pesticides from which all cancers flow. There’s no limit to much needed and necessary causes.
I find it difficult to join in the “fight for a cure.” Sorry. I’m not sure what that means. Fight? That’s the word we use? The only thing that should be fighting is our immune system. You won’t (yet) find it at Bed, Bath, and Beyond; but, did you know you can even buy a pink handgun? Must be for all this fighting.
This is a bit of a rant. Okay, a complete rant. One I feel compelled to share as I encourage everyone to “think before you pink.”
If you are so moved, please watch the movie, “Pink Ribbons”. Excellent and informative. Also, if you want to support and follow an amazing group of women, check out Breast Cancer Action here: http://www.bcaction.org/