The Demise of the Pink Ribbon
Before we rush off into hysteria over the recent row between Susan G. Komen for the Cure (SGK) and Planned Parenthood (PP), I think we need to take a step back a bit.
I first must say, if I have to pick sides, I’ll go with PP. I think the fact that SGK is politicizing women’s healthcare is horrendous and despite what they say about investigations, we know what’s going on here.
Even so, that doesn’t mean that SGK is the devil’s charity and what they’ve been doing for decades was/is all a bullshit, fundraising ruse to sell products and exploit sick women.
Another few facts under my belt. My great-aunt (grandma’s sister) had a double mastectomy in the 70s and eventually died of the disease. My aunt died of breast cancer. Her daughter (my first cousin) had a double mastectomy and my mother had a lumpectomy in one breast and a mastectomy in another. I am very sadly well-acquainted with this disease as well as the treatment plans and their development over these many years.
I was also a fundraiser for SGK for about 6 years (if you aren’t tired of me mentioning that) raising approximately $100,000 during that time, though I am no longer active.
So… here’s what’s getting in my craw. This from Crooks and Liars which basically accuses SGK of “hijacking of women’s health for right-wing causes.” As in, they’ve been pulling one over on you all these years.
This trailer is for a movie that has not come out yet. It was made to mock the SGK brand - the pink ribbon - as commercialization. It has nothing to do with rightwing causes because that was not yet an issue when the movie was made. Crooks and Liars aren’t being honest about that.
Secondly, yes, it IS commercialization. That’s the point! You buy products, yogurt or food processors, and part of the profit goes to SGK. What is the problem again? How many other companies do this and no one blinks? You’re not buying the yogurt to donate to SGK. You’re buying it because you like it with the added, feel-good bonus that you’re contributing to a good cause. Let’s get real and stop insulting the consumer’s intelligence.
Thirdly, they seem to be quibbling about the fact that the disease has not been eradicated and somehow that’s the fault of SGK. So stop giving to charity people! The poor are still poor! Dogs and cats are still abused! You silly, blind people!
Really??
Yes, your disease is being used to sell shit. This is fucking America. We are capitalists. Use your head a little. If the cause means so much to you, write a check to SGK directly. Otherwise buy your product, enjoy it and know that a couple bucks went to a charity you find worthy. And SGK is a worthy charity. Well, it was before last Tuesday.
I’m sure there are women who resent the commercialization. However, I have not met any who actually have the disease. Not one and I’ve been hanging out with breast cancer survivors for 6 years. They appreciate the marketing and the fundraising because it saves lives and they know it.
Over a billion dollars have been raised through SGK efforts for research and treatment. Women are being diagnosed earlier. The treatments are more accurate. Women suffer less consequences from surgery. The quality of their lives have gone up. Their lives have been extended for years, when 10 years ago, they would be dead by now.
I’m just afraid as these horrible events unravel, we’re going to be hearing about the demonization of SGK and that really upsets me. You don’t want to support them, then don’t. I get it. But let’s not make more of this than it is.