Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Pink Stink

Hey, y'all! Did you know that it's Breast Cancer Awareness Month? Of course you did. You'd have to be blind to get through Pinktober without being bombarded by vacuum cleaners and plastic bracelets and sponges... Well, I've got to tell you: I'm pretty fucking aware of breast cancer. Unless you're living in a cave, you're probably pretty fucking aware of breast cancer and of cancer as a whole. Unless you're a monster who thinks that cancer is a punishment from God, you're probably pretty anticancer. You probably want to stab cancer in the eye. I'm all for that. I'm all for research and treatment and helping poor people get the treatments they need. Awareness, though? I think we've got awareness covered.
Plus, so many pink campaigns are just cashing in on the popularity of breast cancer "awareness," while not necessarily putting any proceeds toward actually fighting breast cancer. That pink blender that's $20 more than the regular blender? Probably not sending the extra money to any reputable research organization. Those pink earrings with your favorite football team's symbol? Probably not actually doing any good. Changing your profile picture to something pink? Maybe it helps your friends know that you support them, but the only way it fights cancer is if you send actual monies somewhere.

Do me a favor, this October... Don't buy pink stuff. Or, if you really want to buy pink stuff, then buy pink stuff that actually DOES something. Forbes has three simple tips for determining whether a project or product is worth your time, whether buying it actually supports cancer research or is just a pinkwashing scam.

Better yet: donate your money directly to a legitimate, accredited cancer research organization -preferably one that understands how important Planned Parenthood is to women's health...- or an organization that actively assists women who have cancer in order to make their lives better.

For example, (nationally) the American Cancer Society; (locally) the Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester and the Pluta Cancer Center. As always, check out any potential charities and organizations through the BBB, to ensure they're reputable and respected.

Cancer fucking sucks, but pinkwashing is not helping anything. So, stop it. Stop it, and do some actual good.