It’s October, which means pink breast cancer awareness products are everywhere. (My own city even has a pink fire truck. Seriously.)
Like so many people, I have my own story about breast cancer and how it’s had an impact on my life (which prompted me to put together this post last year), but what really bothers me about all of this pink merchandising is that most companies that participate are profiting much more than they’re helping to support survivors. Oh, and many of these pink products actually contain ingredients that have been linked to cancer. It also doesn’t help that I’m still pretty peeved at Susan G. Komen.
So. Today’s post is dedicated to this pinkwashing phenomenon: before you purchase one of those breast cancer awareness products, do yourself (and your friends and family who are breast cancer survivors) a favor: Read those ingredients lists. Check to see just how much of the purchase price actually goes toward research. Buyer beware, indeed.
Here are a few of the pinkwashing stories I’ve been reading this week:
- Breast Cancer Action has a great guide to “thinking before you pink”—four critical questions to ask before you buy a breast cancer awareness product.
- An interesting roundup of some of the most ridiculous products that have been pinkwashed for October.
- Another smart pinkwashing roundup from Quest.
- Jezebel, as always, has a snarky, hilarious take on how ridiculous this whole pink thing has gotten. (Don’t skip the comments section; there’s a pretty great debate happening there about all of this.)
(Image via Jason Meredith)
I went to a viewing of the documentary “Pink Ribbons Inc.” last year here in Victoria, and it was just so eye opening and raw and well ‘good’ in a not so good way. If you, or your readers can get a chance to see it, it really sums everything up about this issue into something that will captivate the audience. An awesome tool to get the information across. Thanks for this post!
Interesting — I’ll have to check out this documentary. Thanks for the tip!
This is so sad. Thanks for posting. If anyone really wants to just donate to this cause, I am still connected with my Sorority in Upper Michigan who seeks out actual families that are being affected with breast cancer and offer aid directly from their funds. They also donate to Susan G. Komen if they have extra funds but rather donate direct when they have the opportunity. Email me if you have questions and I will be glad to put you in contact!
aimee@organictruth.com
http://www.organictruth.com
http://www.facebook.com/miessencebyaimee
I know, it makes me really sad, too. I prefer not to donate a cent to Susan G. Komen, but I love that your sorority works closely with the families. That’s really great and I’m sure very appreciated!
My mom’s mom died of breast cancer; my mom’s sister was diagnosed last month. I cannot thank you enough for this post, because pinkwashing is a real problem and I sometimes have a hard time articulating that to people who think they’re HELPING by buying stickers or some stupid thing.
Rachael, I am so sorry. Sending positive thoughts to your aunt and your whole family.