In examining troubling narratives surrounding breast cancer, one thing I often think about is the framing of breast cancer patients as ‘heroes,’ as though you get a cape and mask with your diagnosis. That attitude is reinforced in the language people use about going through cancer treatment; patients are ‘battling’ or ‘fighting’ cancer, and they […]
Tag: breast cancer
Pinkification, Commodification, and the Failure to Adapt
The breast cancer awareness industry has become a multibillion dollar juggernaut spanning multiple continents, flooding them with a sea of pink ribbons and tie-in products intended to entice socially aware consumers. Buy enough pink things, and you, too, will conquer cancer; the next level of awareness is always a step away and with it will […]
Pink, Politics, and Cancer
Earlier this year there was considerable brouhaha when the Susan G. Komen foundation withdrew funding used to provide mammograms and related services from Planned Parenthood. After only a few days of immense pressure, the organisation rescinded the decision, but the situation highlighted something interesting for me: Many people are not aware that Komen is a […]
It’s Pink Month Again
Readers may recall that last year I did a series on the problems with breast cancer campaigning, which I don’t really feel the need to repeat; you can poke through my archives if you’re inclined to do so. But, I couldn’t let this year pass without mentioning the issue, and abby jean pointed me at […]
Awareness: Who’s Being Reached, Who Isn’t
Last week, I discussed the fact that gendering breast cancer with pink branding has the effect of excluding many people who can potentially develop breast cancer. I also briefly touched upon the question of awareness. Most campaigns for breast cancer dominating the news and airwaves right now have ‘awareness’ in their names or missions. They […]
Pink is the Colour of Exclusion
October is the pinkest month. Every year, I dread October, and every year, it rolls around regardless. October is breast cancer awareness month, which means my world is about to be awash in a sea of pink as people compete to demand my money, my time, my energy. Every year, I rage about the framing […]
Delving A Little Deeper Into ‘Massage for the Cure’
For the last few weeks, the radio station has been incessantly running ads for ‘Massage for the Cure,’ an event organised to take place tomorrow. Customers at Massage Envy, a national massage chain, can get a $49 therapeutic massage and $15 of that goes to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation. I actually […]