Think before you Pink
It is a feeling of hopelessness that brings us to this place. Desperate to save those who suffer. Determined to prevent those we hope never will. We are clawing and grasping to find any morsel of earth to hold onto when we feel like we’re spiraling out of control.
It is hopelessness. I know that now.
I used to think it was ignorance. Or lack of caring. I used to get angry. Every October when the grocery aisles started to display a sea of pink. “Pinkwashing” we call it now. Pink ribbons. Pink products. Pink everywhere. A tradition so old it has a name. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and it used to make me so angry to watch the way we commercialize it.
Then my father has a brush with the C word. The word we don’t even want to spell because it feels too forewarning and toxic. The only word it is acceptable to scream FUCK before in any setting. The word that will claim over 550,000 American lives this year. Cancer.
I’m not angry about pink ribbons anymore.
It is true there is still lots that I could be angry about.
The complete lack of accountability on Susan G. Komen’s part for who they accept money from. Pink fracking drills anyone?
Or the fact that the pink ribbon is widely used for a variety of purposes, often times not even indicating any money is going toward breast cancer research.
Or that only 2% of money raised for breast cancer awareness goes toward researching the ONLY type of breast cancer that women die from.
Or that the NFL will get some “oohs” and “aahs” from wearing pink jerseys every year and hope that means nobody will notice the real issues within the league.
I’m not angry anymore because I realize how tempting it is to fall for this type of hype. I realize that when you have a loved one going through this, or god forbid you lost someone to it, there is nothing you wouldn’t do to find a cure.
To the survivors out there during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I hope you know that I would wear any color of the rainbow, top to bottom, if it helped find a cure. I would eat all the yogurt, save all the lids, and mail them to Antarctica if it made a difference. I would wear pink Reebok shoes while eating Kentucky Fried Chicken baskets every single night and wash it down with rose colored M&M’s if it helped one single bit. But it won’t.
I understand the hopelessness that brings people to this point but it doesn’t change the reality of it. We can’t consume a cure, especially when the consumption is leading to the disease.
I care too much to participate in the pink.
It is out of hope for actually making a difference, actually finding a cure, and actually saving lives that I urge you to check out Think Before You Pink this October.
Don’t let the hopelessness get to you. Don’t believe that all you can do is pink. There is real work to be done.
Give yourself something to grasp onto. A piece of hope that can last longer than October and throughout the entire year. Solid ground for us all to stand on and start again. Working together toward a real cure.
Thank you for this. I am currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer and you put into words what I’ve been thinking, and made me aware of think before you pink which I didn’t know about.
LikeLiked by 6 people
Sending much light and love to you as you go through this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What an interesting perspective. It makes me want to gag less when I see the pink. I personally do not support it – not because I don’t feel for the victims of breast cancer or other cancers, but I don’t feel the money goes where it should be going and , frankly, I don’t think they will find a conventional medical cure. I believe the ‘cure’ is the prevention which is total health relying on real foods and not loading up on the chemicals and artificial additives our culture has grown accustomed to. That’s my take on the pink…. it takes people away from the focus of what the causes of cancer are and that we CAN do something to prevent it. Best wishes to you and yours.
LikeLiked by 6 people
WTG ortho mom, so true. Search paleo cancer and ketogenic diet. Cancer is not a foreign enemy, it’s your own cells growing out of control. Don’t eat any ‘food’ invented in the last fifty years. Good luck.
LikeLike
Oh I know- if you read my blog youll know Im primarily Paleo!
LikeLike
I was never annoyed with the pink craze that takes over the month of October. I was more annoyed to discover that the contributions I, and many others, make towards organizations like Susan G. Komen does not go towards research for cures as much as it should be. I’m really glad that your article brings this up.
LikeLiked by 4 people
The cancer I have isn’t breast cancer but I agree with you. I think they claim to be helping just for the money. There needs to be a better way to figure out how to deal with this.
LikeLiked by 2 people
To feel hopeless is the worst feeling in the world. I try to not go there
LikeLiked by 1 person
Interesting!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What ever cause you decide to support, it is best to research it before giving so that you are educated on how much goes to research. This is an important thing I do. Very inspiring blog.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thank you for a good post. It’s easy to imagine the hopelessness of any kind of cancer diagnosis, even for those of us who have (thankfully) not yet had to face one. It’s easy too to understand the sense of community the Pink movement creates, and for survivors especially, it’s hard to be unhappy about anyone who’s trying to help the hopeless.
But it’s hard NOT to be a little upset at the corporate misappropriation (pink drill bits… seriously?). I’ve always loved October because the colors start to change… but now, every year, more and more products change to pink.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wow! So true. People always use this kind of thing to make themselves look and feel better without having to actually do any thing about it. Its the distant superficial solidarity that most people feel comfortable with. I’m sure there are people who believe that pink is the way to show support, but like you said, that won’t help any one get cured or find a treatment. Marketting is a powerful and dangerous tool if in the wrong hands. Perhaps blogs such as this one will make a difference. I believe it can. Thanks for the post.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Wow. Amazing I’m lost for the words to describe how I feel after reading your post. I think you’ve clearly expressed how thousands if not millions have been thinking and feeling about pink. Thank you.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I have lost my dad from a type of cancer.One of my aunts had breast cancer, now she is ok- thank God-, my mom had a surgery when she was 25, and luckily wasn’t cancer. I am one of those who have to double check their breasts just to be sure, just to run to the doctor if they ever find anything. If I am afraid? Yes and no. Yes, especially because I have a child. No, because I know that I just have to be on time with my exams and check my health regularly.’Cause if you find it out on time you can fight it!!! And yes, I spread the word all year long, to every female I know.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Phew! At last I find more people who share my view on this issue! For so long I have felt guilty for resenting the Pink. In our town and others in the province, people wrap tree trunks in pink fabric. Or tie pink fabric bows on gates etc. It has become the social right thing to do and is more about following the trend than the real issue.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You know I get flustered with all the pink. But it isn’t the pink that makes me mad ultimately. It is the history of the suppression and prosecution of doctors that have viable cures for cancer. The American Cancer Society holds most of the patents for the current “accepted” methids of treatment and make a lot of money by propagating the lies that there are no cures. Just think how much money the medical industry (1/6 of the U.S. economy) would lose if cancer was cured. Look up what David Axelrod’s comments were on it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Reblogged this on Tammy Hopkinson MBA and commented:
My grandfather died of lung cancer many years ago! It was sad to see how it took his life. I remember going to his house and he would let all the grandchildren get a piece of the stick peppermint candy out of his jar.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your post. I am married to a breast cancer survivor. I think we cringe a bit during this month. No doubt some of the funds generated really do advance research. But what we remember more was the dedicated and skilled doctor who walked us through this process, the oncologist who continues to monitor my wife’s health, and the host of nurses and technicians who extended so much care and support. Add to this a close friend, a fellow survivor, who was such a support. I so wish months like this would do more to celebrate these wonderful caregivers who have saved so many. I suspect most cancer research hospitals accept direct donations which might allow far more money to go to research and treatment.
LikeLiked by 4 people
Reblogged this on dittevbc's Blog.
LikeLiked by 3 people
I’ve never been a huge fan of the SBK pink campaign. and events in the past 5-10 years have only validated that. I’ll continue to support cancer research in numerous ways, but not through the pink campaign. Good post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Casuale Lodge and commented:
Excellent sentiments
LikeLike
Reblogged this on A Tent Ninja and commented:
Has a way with words 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Ittsclimford.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Spreading Awareness.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for this post, My husband has Cancer (Sarcoma), a different kind than breast or liver or any thing that does get funding, so thank you again. I think the marketing has gone way over board. And my husband is not going to wear pink. There are lots of charities out there, pick the one of your choice.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Ideas in My Jar and commented:
Choose your charity wisely
LikeLiked by 1 person
I share your feelings. Too often do we see pink and unknowingly support a product where little, if any of our money goes to research. We want to see progress, we want advances in understanding breast cancer, we as sufferers, family members and friends want to see results.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on BS Information Technology Students.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A loving reality check for those who would dare to embrace it…
I have lost one or two Beloved kinfolk as a consequence of cancer treatment…
I too disregard the pink…I have worked in enough charity organisations to see how the money is appropriated…
(chinese takeway, anybody?)
Mmmmmm….
Honey-Filled Ciao-Ciao’s to you…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your posting was so well expressed and written. It certainly succeeded in making me stop and think about it. All forms of cancer need research and contributions and yes, we need to find out where our money actually goes. Thank you for posting this.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on malibehiribae.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Roshan click's.
LikeLike
reblogged at roshanrajclicks.wordpress.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Soumitro Biswas.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That is a beautiful piece of writing!!! I had Leukaemia in September last year and this is really relatable! wow! You portrayed every thing I thought there!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
it was difficult to read your post, as I totally get you and completely understand you. My mom passed away last year from breast cancer. Before I was thinking the pink ribbons are just commercial attempt to raise money. Now, after my mom passed away and so many people dying of this deadly disease each year, I am pro pink ribbon campaign as we have to raise awareness among people. Unfortunately there will be always people whose ultimate goal is profit, not health. 😦 Mel
http://www.livingoncloude9.com
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very interesting point of view. Sometimes we do lose sight of our original purpose and get caught up in the color. I thought your comment about football players wearing pink to, likely subconsciously, cover up issues that they need to deal with was interesting. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on Thoughts, Raves, and Outright Beatings.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for a honest & much needed response to the sea of pink we’re inundated with each October.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on shwne.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sometimes it feels like anger and outrage is the only appropriate response to SGK Foundation’s pinkwashing and the lawsuits they bring against non-profits that dare use the word ‘cure’ or the color pink. Unfortunately, anger seems to fix about as much as the pinkwashing itself does.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very well said.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Life Identified and commented:
I agree completely
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on cedarcturnkeyproject.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on rodrigueztana246.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great article! I learned about “pink-washing” a few years and feel that many companies take advantage of cancer touches so many people. I like that you said, “We can’t consume a cure, especially when the consumption is leading to the disease.” This is very true, especially when you learn what chemicals are in our food and environment, and that they lead to cancer and other health conditions.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It has never sat well with me, all of the commercialization of breast cancer in the form of oodles of pink products in every store. I’ve mentioned this in conversations with friends or co-workers, but I’m always made to feel like a callous jerk for not caring. I do care. Thank you for voicing these concerns, and for sharing the link to more info.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Reblogged this on haleema454 and commented:
barbie
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thought I was the only one who scorned at pink each October. I hate how we only pay this much attention to Breast Cancer and not the hundreds of other cancers and diseases out there needing attention. I hate that people think buying Pink ANYTHING makes a difference, when the foundation takes so much money and it doesn’t go to research. It frustrates me to no end. I thought I was alone…
LikeLiked by 2 people
❤️❤️the statement thing before you pink
LikeLiked by 1 person