Pink Ribbon Blues

ACTIVISM-[SL]ACTIVISM: An Essay by Erika Jahn

By Erika Jahn, on March 25th, 2011

Erika Jahn is a Projects Coordinator for Breast Cancer Action Montreal and a writer for Kickaction, “an online community space for girls and young women who think for themselves, take a stand and act creatively to bring positive change to their communities and across the globe.” On March 17th, 2011 Jahn posted an essay on kickaction.ca as part of the . . . → Read More: ACTIVISM-[SL]ACTIVISM: An Essay by Erika Jahn

What Good Is Awareness If…

By Gayle Sulik, on March 22nd, 2011

…the root causes of breast cancer remain unchanged?

…the information disseminated is inaccurate, incomplete, or decontextualized?

…the messages trivialize, misrepresent, or marginalize the disease or the diagnosed?

…the campaign uses sexualized language and imagery to sell itself?

..the campaign intentionally or inadvertently supports products or services that contribute to the total cancer burden (i.e., pinkwashing)?

…the campaign shifts attention and . . . → Read More: What Good Is Awareness If…

“Komen By The Numbers: 2010 And Still No Answers”

By Rachel Cheetham Moro, on March 19th, 2011

Pink Ribbon Blues is pleased to republish the fourth essay about Komen’s financial situation by Anna Rachnel, titled “Komen By The Numbers: 2010 And Still No Answers.” The essay was first published on March 16, 2011 on her blog, The Cancer Culture Chronicles. Stewardship: the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially : the careful and responsible management of . . . → Read More: “Komen By The Numbers: 2010 And Still No Answers”

Breast Cancer Action's New Executive Director, Karuna Jaggar

By Gayle Sulik, on March 11th, 2011

Last August Breast Cancer Action–the organization well known for phrases such as “pinkwashing” and “Think Before You Pink”– announced the retirement of executive director Barbara Brenner following 15 years of service and leadership. I remember thinking to myself, “Wow, I wonder who they’ll find to fill Barbara’s shoes?” After all, those are some pretty big shoes.

During Brenner’s tenure, . . . → Read More: BCA’s New Executive Director, Karuna Jaggar

Tools for Action

By Gayle Sulik, on March 9th, 2011

A recent discussion on Facebook focused on the need for explicit ways to shape the direction and substance of breast cancer awareness, fundraising, research, and discussion. There are many things we can do to spur the public conversation and the movement in meaningful ways. What follows is not an exhaustive list. It is instead a collection of ideas about . . . → Read More: Tools for Action

“It’s Time To Get Real”

By Gayle Sulik, on March 3rd, 2011

The commercialization of breast cancer has been a growing trend. Beginning with the emergence of the pink ribbon in 1992, there has been an increasing notion that breast cancer “awareness” results from pink osmosis. Many, including myself, have asked: What exactly are people made aware of? When analyzing the imagery associated with pink ribbon products and awareness activities, the messages . . . → Read More: “It’s Time To Get Real”

Dissertation Scholarship to Study Women and Cancer

By Gayle Sulik, on February 21st, 2011

Are you a graduate student whose dissertation focuses on breast cancer? If so, you should know about this scholarship opportunity.

Sociologists for Women in Society is a nonprofit, scientific, and educational organization that works to improve women’s lives through advancing and supporting feminist sociological research, activism and scholarship. The organization is currently accepting applications for the 2011 Barbara Rosenblum Dissertation . . . → Read More: Dissertation Scholarship to Study Women and Cancer

Komen By The Numbers: Education In Focus

By Rachel Cheetham Moro, on February 9th, 2011

Pink Ribbon Blues is pleased to republish the third essay about Komen’s financial situation by Anna Rachnel, titled “Komen By The Numbers: Education In Focus.” The essay was first published on February 9, 2011 on her blog, The Cancer Culture Chronicles.

—

As a woman, do you remember when you first became aware of the importance of being vigilant about . . . → Read More: Komen By The Numbers: Education In Focus