http://hometestingblog.testcountry.com/?p=9771
This pink breast cancer ribbon is quite possibly one of the most easily recognized symbols in today's society. Without any words or context, the ribbon is understood to represent hope and support for victims past and present of breast cancer. This symbol has taken on various forms, from a plain ribbon pinned onto a jacket, to jewellery, to travel mugs, to bumper stickers. By simply typing in "pink breast cancer ribbon" in a google search, an endless list of options will present itself.
To my knowledge, when products that have been branded with the pink ribbon are sold, a certain percentage of the sale will go towards a cancer research foundation. For example, when I was working at a Suzy Shier location, we sold pink mittens with the ribbon embroidered on, and 10% of the proceeds went to the Canadian Cancer Society.
On the one hand, I think that the donations are an excellent resource for the Canadian Cancer Society and that it is very generous of the retail stores to donate proceeds in light of today's economy. That being said, when the pink ribbon is emblazoned on absolutely everything, I think it becomes more of a trend than a supportive gesture. This absolutely does not mean to say that I do not support the charity, I just feel that it somewhat takes away from the gesture when someone puts the pink breast cancer ribbon on their car because its "cute". I think breast cancer survivors are completely deserving of support, admiration, and respect for what they have undergone, and I hope that when people see this pink ribbon that they remember that, and not the last cute pink ribbon t-shirt they saw.
I like what you said about the ribbon losing touch of its main intention. My aunt actually is a survivor of breast cancer and this ribbon means a lot to both her and my family. I am also a big supporter of breast cancer and breast cancer research, but I do find that this ribbon has almost become a sort of "logo" for empowered women around the world. I don't think it has lost its value or importance, but I do think that its heavy use is taken for granted by some individuals in our society. It's "cute" status is felt by individuals, I think, that don't fully understand the severity of the disease, and the strength needed to overcome it.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the pink ribbon has now become more of an accessory that a representation of hope for those fighting breast cancer. I think people still recognize it as a symbol of breast cancer but its impact is not the same as it used to be. I have also felt the same way about the red poppy for remembrance day. Some people associate it more as an accessory than anything else but its value is not necessarily lost.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree that the pink ribbon has become a trend of sorts. Another thing that reminds me of a trend in this regard is the actual magnets sold for the cars or not just the pink ribbon but all the ribbons. It makes you wonder whether whether people are actual supporters or whether they just wanted the magnets to be part of the trend.
ReplyDeleteAnother issue with the pink ribbon is that many companies have labelled products as 'pink products' when in fact none of the proceeds go to cancer and the colour pink is just used as a marketing ploy. Similarly the same thing has happened with the 'green' trend.