Am I Being Ungrateful?

Faye33

I've decided it is probably best if I just hibernate for the month of October.  Everytime I go shopping, I come home annoyed with all the pink ribbons that appears to have exploded everywhere.

I don't know if we should be mentioning companies here, however, I'm sure a lot of you will know which company I'm talking about when I describe this particular pink ribbon propaganda which annoys me.  There is a company that has the pink ribbon and "early detection saves lives" plastered all over a variety of their vast product lines.  I examined one of the packages (toilet paper) in the store today and saw that nowhere on the package could I find exactly how they were supporting the breast cancer cause.  I did however find a spot that directed me to a facebook page.

So, after some digging around on the internet, my understanding is that this very large company will be donating 2 pennies for every coupon (specific coupon from a specific newspaper insert) that is used on their product during the first two weeks of October and (as if their generousity could shrink any) they will be donating a whooping 1 penny for every coupon (specific coupon from a specific newspaper insert) used in the last two weeks of October on their product.  So someone could buy one of their pink ribbon laden products and none of the proceeds go to support the breast cancer cause, UNLESS they use a specific coupon in a specific time frame.

I'm sorry, but I see this as incredibly stingy and shady on the part of this very large company.  Am I just too close to the storm?  Or is this well know company just using the emotional draw of the pink ribbon and publicity of "Breast Cancer Awareness" month to pad their pockets?  I feel insulted, but at the same time a little guilty 'cause my momma always taught me to say "Thank You!" and it's the thought that counts, not the actual gift...  But mostly, I'm just p*ssed! 

mdg

I feel the same way....I don't support that "large company".  I support other BC charities.  I am already sick of the pink crap and it's only October 3rd.  Last year I took photos of all the pink stuff and posted them on a thread here all month.  Some of the items were ridiculous....a cement mixer with pink ribbons painted on it...really???? 

We are "aware".....how about finding a cure?????

Hattie

sorry but some people just found a way to make more money.  my mom told me not to express these  particular thoughts in public .  but if i watch my word choice, she would absolutely approve.

breastcanceraction.org has a lot of info and a great film on "pinkwashing".  we get  it.

let's pay attention to actual prevention (so no money spent on crap or toxics and then money spent on prevention, treatment, research) and no yay i feel great about how easy this cancer is and how i spent so much money on crap so a tiny part of a cent might go somewhere maybe.

really, the thought for many companies is making money and looking good and keeping women happy, not helping.

so ask before you buy and let them know how you feel.

that being said, my safeway store had a vague "donate and $ stays local" plea and it turned out that the $ did stay local and helped women pay for treatment, get support, have a patient navigator, educate patients and drs. and do research.  so i am very happy to round up there in october.  but, really, no where else.

take care and speak out!  

--hattie

dlb823

Here are a couple of excellent articles on this topic.  The first is by a BCO member (JoanQuilts).  The other one is something I came across yesterday that reminded me that making a donation directly to bc research or to a local grass roots organization or even BCO seems like a much wiser option:

http://www.nj.com/parenting/index.ssf/2012/10/a_generation_of_breast_cancer.html

http://jezebel.com/5946414/the-silliest-pink-crap-that-wont-cure-breast-cancer-money-can-buy

Deanna