Pinktober Revolution
Comments
-
Divine and Octo- agreed and so well said. It needs to morph into something more results oriented and less associated with sales and marketing.
0 -
It's interesting, Pinktober is raising my awareness alright, of two things:
#1 - just how much pinkwashing there is - I spy shocks of hot pink scattered through the piles of junk mail delivered to my house every day. I look just long enough to confirm that yep, it's for Pinktober before dumping it in the recycling. It's gotten to the point where now any time I see pink on a sign or a t-shirt or anything else for that matter, I'm checking to see if it's pink for the sake of pink, or if it's pinkwashing. Most of the time it's the latter. I almost got mad at a pink flamingo, then I realized... they're just pink.
#2 - how much marketing we ignore! I wouldn't have given any of these pieces of advertising a second thought if I didn't have a vested, if sick, interest. I wonder how many messages of actual importance I've missed because of over-saturation? (If it's advertising, probably not many.)
0 -
Such good points, Chesequake. I feel very much the same. I keep wondering, frustrated, what it will really take to get them to stop? It will take a very bright, forward thinking company to step back and say, "we're not going to participate in this rubbish anymore, and here's why". In my daydream there's a full page ad in the Times, explaining. We rejoice. And all the lemmings race to the other side of the issue. October is "UNPINKED".
I get happy for a minute, thinking finally, people will be focused intelligently onprevention and cure.
And then I wake up.
0 -
That's what it's become, over saturated. And people tune it out. And after so many years, how much pink stuff do people still want to buy? How much is enough? I haven't ever purchase a single pink ribbon item for the purpose of supporting this cause. But who really wants a house or wardrobe decorated in this theme?
0 -
So it happened to me last night.
At the end of our rugby club board meeting, a group of us were chatting, then one women started talking about breast cancer and the 'awareness' activity she was involved in and about all the bracelets that people had. There were the usual 'boobies' and 'tata' savings, and one particularly offensive one, I can't bring myself to repeat - something to do with noise of an engine on a motorboat!!
Then the usual 'awareness' message and how wonderful that two women were diagnosed 'early' because of the work they had done raising mammogram awareness. How everyone likes to say 'early' - I have many people tell me that - even though they have no idea if I was dx early and that in fact I was stage 3, IBC! I suppose it makes them feel better to tell me that.
What I think went completely over her head is that anyone who has been diagnosed with breast cancer is sick and tired of it being sexualised. Also - I am so fed up of awareness and the lack of work towards a real cure for this deadly disease! Many within the club know of my diagnosis but I think this lady joined after I was in treatment, and is unaware. (happy as I don't want to be defined by my dx) I wasn't keen to expose myself and answer back. I'd rather stay anonomous particularly in a crowd. She's a lovely lady but completely unaware of how wrong breast cancer is treated - particularly during this month! Maybe there will be an oportunity for me to get my point across - then was not the time.
I'm not upset - but just wanted to offload and share with those who understand. Sorry - rant over!
0 -
MrsM, you said it yourself. We are not celebrating a holiday. This is not a sporting event where the side wearing the most team colors wins. But the more people can make it exactly that, the happier they seem. The Ice Bucket Challenge, Pinktober... people love having something they can participate in, things they can buy, events they can participate in, post photos from, and brag about on Facebook. It seems that as the insanity for marketing holidays has continually ramped up, "charity culture" is doing the same. Is it a uniquely American trait?
Why are ALL these people doing this?
0 -
Cheesecake, for some weird reason I can't quite explain, your photo reminded me of photos of anti-war protests in my home city of San Francisco...years ago. I participated in some with crowds bigger than that one (um yeah, I was a teenager during much of Vietnam, but yes, I was there...) And I participated in some more recently around our current on going wars, in Washington DC.
They were fun, I admit. For one thing, I did them with my mother (who managed to get herself arrested a few times) and it was something we shared (she died of lung cancer about ten years ago and I miss her terribly). For another thing: I just loved the sense of sharing they gave me. I was a part of something bigger than myself, and I could use it to express my feelings in a way that felt positive to me. What could be more fun than marching the streets?
But there was a BIG difference, of course. First of all, it was clearly a PROTEST! We were angry and letting our elected officials and others know that we were angry. We weren't all dressed one way or in one color. Our protests signs were as individual as we were. (I have a photo of one of my Mom's I have to dig up...from the first Gulf War). and ultimately the protests did make a difference (at least for a while...) Edited to add: interesting to note that the folks in this photo are NOT carrying signs.
So, I think my point is that there are indeed a lot of people in that group and I am quite sure that most of them really care about the issue. I'd just like to see that caring translated into effective advocacy and REAL awareness.
One more thought: before my dx I didn't get this. Even though one of my own sisters has had bc. Let's just say we didn't talk as much as we should have. My fault. She is now a big source of support to me and the only one in my family who really gets it.
Right now I am too involved in my own chemo to do much other than cheer quietly from the sidelines. Next year though, I might have to try and figure out how to best take it to the streets. So to speak.
Hugs to all
Octogirl
0 -
Please don't shoot me! I agree with most everything I read on here and I've changed a lot on these marketing views over the last two years. But, the question was asked about why do people do these things. I see it as people want to do something for others and if we are living in a charity culture (new term for me) then thank goodness we are 'cause I see lots of it needed. People need/want/must help others in some order.
So, all that's been given is a color and some stupid one liners that illicit a nervous laugh. We as humans do that with our own races and cultures. Why wouldn't we do that - we are used to expressing ourselves that way. Just look at how people act at funerals? At weddings? Any gathering and people will behave similarly, given the rules.
I'll step out and admit it is my first year to not be part of pink, to not walk, to not decorate, to not hold the neighborhood gathering in pink whatever. I just didn't know what to do. But that's not a complaint! I have been educated on BCO and that thrills me because when I first came on these boards I called myself "lostboob" stupid stupid stupid.
I have a seizure disorder called Epilepsy. Had two tonic clonic (gran mal) seizures within two years of my BC diagnosis. Don't know why it happened but it's a pain in the butt to deal with. I walk their walk and their color is purple. There are no jokes about seizures. I think we can learn from some groups about how to deal with jokes, etc. I'll reach out to my local group and see if they ever get inappropriate stuff. Our challenge is finding a way to re-funnel all this pink love into BC cure. Once people understand that they'll turn so BCO needs to be the marketing tool.
The thing is, please don't shoot me or the flamingos. Love and peace to you all...
0 -
I think it is a good thing that all of those people are walking, I think everyone knows someone who has been affected by this disease and it doesn't have to be somber just not crazy party like and with those awful sayings or awful props. I think everyone is trying to do what they can but those collecting the funds need to do the right thing as we have said. Just IMO.
0 -
I'm using Twitter so when I see something I answer back with using those dollars or changing the tide or whatever makes more sense than a party
0 -
If we can educate all those people who are ignorant of the real issues but have good intentions, things could change. Or at least give them signs: Think Before you pink, Stage four needs more, Research not ribbons, It's a disease not a marketing opportunity, etc. I'm thinking of passing out buttons along with suggestions of where to donate.
(Edited to correct typo.
0 -
Shetland- that is a very positive, productive suggestion. Love it.
Mema- been meaning to say I love your avatar. Where can I get summa dat?
0 -
Jackie, I see a shrink! Don't you just love it? I think they should pass 'em out all the time. But she wouldn't even give me the good stuff. I do have a joint though! Too scared to smoke it! Do those things interact?
Oh yeah, I'm pretty verbal...
0 -
Shetland, I like it. There is enough victims of cancer on this site along to support a marketing team. What if I started one and put in $1K to get it started....would our members match? Get close to it?
We could do one of hundred things:
1. Make those phrases into new marketing tools and try to plaster into as many places as possible - particularly TV
2. Find a scientist/researcher/hospital to donate 100% of funds too
3. Donate to a BC patient
keep going......
0 -
sorry, I meant to say "alone" not along geez
0 -
and to BCO.....popping in as the cheerleader
0 -
Great slogans Shetland. Here's a plan. BCO becomes the goto site for breast cancer awareness and information. It is already, but imagine if Pinktober focussed on publicising the site. I'd say a mil would do for BCO website site promotion. The other many, many millions could be put out to tender and given to cutting-edge research institutions with a track record of advancing treatment options for all stages of BC and, dare we hope, coming up with a cure. I'd be at every event if I knew this was where the money went.
0 -
Breast Cancer Action has launched their Poison Isn't Pretty campaign. Part of what they are doing is disseminating "quote memes" like the below. This is a shareable item if you go to their FB page.
0 -
I'm loving this discussion. Even before diagnosis, I was uncomfortable with the pink. Now it sets my teeth on edge.
But who am I to criticize the sweet chemo nurses with their pink ribbons, the couple in the dr.'s office today with their matching pink ribbons, the individuals who are to the best of their ability making a small gesture that they believe is the right thing to do?
And then I see the last, half-full bottle of my shampoo, put aside 'til I have hair to wash. There is a pink ribbon printed on the label, a piece of corporate feel-good, and it makes me feel bad. Very bad.
At the same time, I think about all the illness fund-raisers I've contributed to over the years: pediatric brain tumors (my niece), breast cancer (friend's sister), AIDS (countless co-workers), and on and on. I have always felt good about donating--but I have also felt the hoopla, the colors, the T-shirts were unnecessary. These contributions are part of the fabric of our society, and it's hard to think that anything we can do will change their shape.
So it's about the message: what we want people to take away from all of this breast cancer fundraising. The sexualization is absolutely demeaning and infuriating. Neither of the men I've known with testicular cancer have had to put up with this! Will it go away? Probably not. I think we have more of a shot on reframing the focus away from awareness and towards finding a cure.
Look how there was talk on the boards--a fair amount of it, actually--about the issues with LGFB and then suddenly I saw a NY Daily News story. And I have just done a google search and seen a TON of positive stories about the program up there that were not up yesterday. Lotta public relations wattage out there: someone was paying attention. So the noise got noticed. And if people continue to make noise about carcinogenic cosmetics, you can believe the composition of those giveaway bags will change.
I think it's the noise. I don't think it will make a huge difference this year or next, but it is going to change if we all keep talking. I agree with everyone (including Sula) that the poster Sula posted of a MX scar is too graphic for nearly everyone. But pink buckets and scrunchies and boob scarves are just plain nauseating. Somewhere, there is a happy medium. I think it is going to take a combination of things: letters like Mrs.M's, celebrities (real people who have been touched by BC--and btw, is anyone compiling a list?), some smart PR minds, and a host of other things. But it will change.
This has been a year where two things have happened that I thought I would never see. One is that gay marriage appears to be legal in the United States. The other is that with glacial speed, it appears possible that China and the US both may start to do something about climate change. So who knows?
Signing off from a too-long rant with hope....
0 -
Very encouraging words, Rainny. Thank you.
0 -
Last year my meds came in bottles with pink tops and "awareness" info in the bag. I asked them if they thought I really needed to be made aware of breast cancer in light of the fact that I was picking up drugs for breast cancer. She just looked at me. What a load of crap. And what about the people that are getting meds for other cancers? I'd be pissed.
0 -
I found the slogans in my post above by browsing and sometimes by following links, on the following threads:
Are You A Fan of Awareness?
Pinktober Revolution [this thread]
Looking for Pinktober Alternative buttons, shirts, charities
#pinkisnotacure Let your Voice Be Heard
First Puketober sitings! [sic]
Kebab replied to my query on "Looking for Pinktober Alternative..." by suggesting METAvivor as a good place for donations because they give 100% of donations to research grants. (They are run by volunteers and get funds for operational expenses from grants and corporate sponsors.) From their web site:
"METAvivor awards research grants to individuals with a clinical or other doctoral degree who are actively engaged in areas of metastatic breast cancer research and whose proposals show distinct promise in making a different for the stage 4 breast cancer community. . The goal of our funding efforts is to transition metastatic breast cancer from a terminal diagnosis to a chronic, manageable disease with a decent quality of life."
0 -
I wish I had copies of that poster to hand out every time I see or are asked to contribute for awareness. It would have attached a list of better choices to donate to.
0 -
Today I see this:
Hop on and join us in the Fight? How does riding the bus help!?!?! On the other end of the bus:
As I walked past the bus behind this one, the driver (wearing a pink hat) is smiling widely, having seen me taking a selfie with the bus. I gestured back at the pink giant and said sarcastically, "it's a bus, just for me!" He looked confused.
When I got home I went to Charity Navigator, yet again, to see ACS' rating:
Two stars out of four. With an ad for Chevy and ACS at the top of the page.
/facepalm
I just don't know how to feel or what to do. It's a juggernaut.
0 -
what to do. I'm sticking my finger down my throat.
0 -
Oh Lord, seeing that bus would have been a bad day. Sorry for that. I know that driver must have thought he was doing something good, probably volunteered. So much education needed, sooooooo, I did go to breastaction.net and did everything I could do in there except figure out to volunteer from where I live. I like action, I believe in venting, but then I like acting or strategizing. Today, I told Huffington Post what they could do with their ad and twittered a dozen more. I agree it takes time to make change so it is up to us that live in this place to do it. Shetland, I'll look at that research info too.
0 -
and then there is this.... http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/10/01/greenfield-p...
Octogirl
0 -
Just think of how much money is spent on pimping out, oops I mean pinking out, products for breast cancer awareness. The money could be so better spent if given to research or a charity that helps patients with their treatment or day-to-day living expenses. It boggles the mind at the amount of money wasted.
0 -
Rainn,
Great thoughts, well put. I didn't post the picture though, I just commented on the fact I thought it would be too graphic for our purposes. I have two scars that I actually feel good about ( not good about having to get those scars but still....) very smooth, even , and I'm comfortable with them. My decision is not everyone's but we're all individuals. As to the pink ....it makes me see red and then I start to have to remember not to wade into shit with people I know and work with. One friend and work colleague ( a film producer) is constantly yakking about the new Drew Barrymore film about bc... Miss You Already... I watched the trailer, and arrrrrrrrrrrgh. I almost got into it.....but no. These are people in my work world but it's a pink pukefest in my opinion. Now I'm thinking my husband and I need to write something ourselves. I tell people to donate to breast cancer action, and in my community The Fire and Ice Ball which was one of the major factors that supported Dr Slamon and enabled him to come up with Herceptin ( which I'm on) Lilly Tartakov has raised major funds for cancer research over the years
0 -
A woman I know who was diagnosed with bc several years ago posted this picture to FB The other day with a comment shared from someone else "which of these photos represents breast cancer awareness?" I thought this was well done, and haven't seen it visually on FB like this before. I have a lot of FB friends who are all perky about every little thing. So I liked this one.
I hadn't heard of the Drew Barrymore film. A few years ago, the movie Wit about a woman with ovarian cancer starring Emma Thompson got good reviews on its more honest portrayal of what it's really like, although I had mixed feelings about the film. But one on breast cancer and the real impact of awareness on one's psyche would be a great jolt for some people could help steer the conversation in a different direction. Of course, the long tentacles of Komen might try its best to quash such an endeavor...
0
