Pinkwashing gone mad

[obamanut2012]

I had my problems with Komen even before the latest Planned Parenthood dustup.I helped organize Komen 5ks for a few years, and was appalled at some of the things I discovered about the Foundation, which led me to do more research, and them disassociate myself from them.

In my opinion, however, the "pinkwashing" of products strikes me as little more than a cynical money garb, especially when Komen is in partnership with sponsors whose pinkwashed products actually contain toxins linked to breast cancer (BPA in water bottles, etc.).

There is also the issue, for many women, with the color pink being used.

The following link is a good article I found that briefly explains the pitfalls of pinkwashing.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/feb/15/komen-pinkwashing-problem-planned-parenthood

[tammywammy]

1. Pink Ribbons, Inc

The movie was released just as the PP & Komen debacle happened. It's opened in Canada, no US release set yet, though I can't wait to see it.

edited to add: I never fell for all that pink stuff. 1. I don't like pink. and 2. What is this about raising awareness? They do pink breast cancer month at work. This isn't a daycare full of kids that may not know about breast cancer, but adult professionals. Who the hell doesn't know about breast cancer? Honestly a few years ago I came to the realization that Komen wasn't really for a "cure". Why would they want a cure, it would put them out of business. And that's exactly what all this running and buy pink crap is about, it's all a business.

[obamanut2012]

3. I cannot wait to see this movie

I don't wear pink, either, because it doesn't go with my coloring.

And, your point is well taken: there is, unfortunately, very few adults who haven't been touched by breast cancer in some way.

[yardwork]

2. Great post. You summed up my gradually increasing recognition of this.

I used to buy those pink things because I like pink. No more.

[kdmorris]

4. I have always thought it tasteless

and never gave money to them. It seemed like some sort of crass money making scheme to me before it turned out to be some crass money-making scheme.

I've tried to avoid all the merchandise that has the symbol or pink on it, but during October, it's always hard. If you want to buy cat food, you have to wade through all the cat food that has the stupid pink symbol on it and cats are picky as shit.

[Irishonly]

5. I was always leery of Komen

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1999. My aunt made a large donation in honor of me to Komen and became furious at how little of it was given to breast cancer research. I never have done a Komen walk although I participate in the Relay for Life that the ACS does. A group of young people I know walked in a Koman walk and then switched to Relay for Life at my request.

I was given a pink ribbon pin when I was first diagnosed. My breast buddy took it off her jacket and pinned it on mine. That pin went to my cousin when she was diagnosed. We have wondered if it still exists because she gave it to another woman who gave it to another and so on. It was probably the only time a pink ribbon meant anything to me. The word survivor defines me.

At my first Relay for Life we were asked to write a letter to be given to Congress about how cancer affected us. A few hundred people wrote and a lot of us shared. The experience touched me and changed me.

[OKNancy]

6. that's a great story.. thank you for telling all of us

[maddezmom]

8. thanks for sharing your personal experience with them

and so happy you are a survivor and are here with us today.

[obamanut2012]

10. Thanks for this

I wish your cousin had had no woman to give the ribbon to. I'm very glad you kicked breast cancer's ass and are in remission or cancer free.

[maddezmom]

7. I think this is probably news to a lot of us that have particpated in races and donated to Komen

I really had no idea until I read this:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=114364&mesg_id=114364

and then checked out the Pink Ribbons Inc trailer.

They will never get another dime from me.

[obamanut2012]

9. They ahve been very adept at deflecting controversy

Until the last few months.

As I said, I was in the thick of it helping to organize the annual 5k in my town, and so interacted with Komen staff very closely.

I was glad to see the mask pulled off Komen the last month, and gratified to know that more money will go to actual breast cancer prevention, treatment, and research.