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Every October, companies from BMW to Yoplait roll out lavishly funded campaigns to raise money for breast cancer research. Test drive this car and we'll donate to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Buy this yogurt and we'll pass a percentage along to medical studies. That all sounds great—but is it, really?
The non-profit group Breast Cancer Action calls for a critical awareness of the corporate "parade of pink." Since 2002, their "Think Before You Pink" campaign has urged consumers to ask six questions about marketing efforts that brandish the famous rosy-hued ribbon. The project also tries to stem the tide of "pinkwashers," companies that "promote their dedication to curing breast cancer while manufacturing products that contribute to it." This year, let businesses know that fighting for a cure means more than increasing sales of mascara. Or key fobs. Or pretty pink candies.
Filed under: Health, Philanthropy, Cancer, Yahoo! Picks for Good
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comments
Posted by spiritbrook | Tue, October 09, 2007, 7:09 am PDT
Most money raising campaigns that involve products rather than direct donations are minimal in their contribution. Read the label, some say things like 0.1% of profits will be contributed - or less - or are vague and say "we will donate" without mentioning how or what.
On the flip side breast cancer is very treatable if detected early. It is also very fatal if detected late. Even if these campaigns do not contribute much to the actual defeat of the disease, the message of the pink ribbon might remind people to get their annual exams and to not ignore a lump or other symptoms of cancer and to get treatment promptly. This one thing can save lives with the treatment and research today. So, even though the actual returns from the programs are minimal, I think that the awareness they raise still can save lives.
Posted by friar_paul | Tue, October 09, 2007, 7:21 am PDT
Charitable giving is never as simple as it seems. Even if the money donated on these Pink campaigns was significant, the money going to Susan B. Komen doesn't all go to breast cancer research. Susan B. Komen donates part of its money to other charities, one of which is Planned Parenthood, an organization which provides birth control pills and abortions- two activities which have been linked in many studies as possibly contributing to the incidence and severity of breast cancer.
Its important to research where your money is going. (Personally I prefer the National Cancer Foundation.)
Posted by riverwest2 | Tue, October 09, 2007, 9:21 am PDT
What color is universal health coverage?
Posted by ajithsrn | Wed, October 10, 2007, 1:23 am PDT
Do have a look at http://www.thebreastcancersite.com
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