Dirty Laundry

Over the weekend a new film debuted in Canada called Pink Ribbons Inc. It takes a very hard look at a long ongoing problem called Pinkwashing. It doesn't air in the states until spring, but I am very intrigued. I agree that there is way too much pinking going on (Buckets for the Cure... WTH?) But at the same time,  I still believe that fundraising for breast cancer research, education and advocacy is important. I think more funds need to go towards smaller organizations and less towards organizations that have clearly lost their way.

The pink ribbon is very controversial. Bigger non-profits have more money and therefore we want them to put it all towards the cure, but on a personal note, I used to work for a non-profit and never volunteered to stop accepting my paycheck. Organizations expand just like any other business, but that doesn't mean their responsibility, mission or vision should be altered by it. Money doesn't always equal power. My biggest problem with the Komen Controversy was that they funded Planned Parenthood without a problem but then decided to pull funding when they felt threatened by the pro-life community. They claim that they pulled funding because they don't support organizations under investigation, however they didn't pull funding from anyone else. The pro-life community commended the decision, but what they fail to see is that it would have never had any impact on the pro-choice side. It would not have prevented abortions, but instead added to the problem of more women having less resources to prenatal care and disease prevention. I could go on and on, but there is a big picture and it's more important than politics.

I still plan to participate in MSABC and support organizations like YSC because they do have important and unique programs and raise funds to research for a cure, but as a survivor and a consumer I will think twice before spending $3.00 more on a water bottle because it has a pink ribbon.

If you're interested in learning more about pinkwashing, and what you can do, please visit thinkbeforeyoupink.org If you feel conflicted about making a pink ribbon donation, then do something different in support of breast cancer. Bring some cookies to your local radiation office. Buy some scarves at the local thrift store and put them in the basket at your local infusion center. Or just simply do your monthly exams and smile when you can't find a lump!

This is a very courageous video from another survivor. I am not brave enough to share on camera like she did, but I'm proud to post her candid video statement on my little blog :)