nablo09 Haunted

I meant to do this in September but I was a little busy.  I've decided to participate in National Blog Posting Month for the month of October.  The theme is "Haunted".  Themes are optional but may be appropriate in this case because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  But..you know that don't you.  How could you not? 

A few weeks ago I was in a bodega buying some orange juice.  When I walked past the beer aisle I noticed that a particular brand of hard lemonade was adorned with pink..in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  This was the first week of September..sort of like seeing Christmas lights on Halloween. 

Breast cancer is cancer that gets good PR.  It's pink and cute and frilly.  At least that's what the ads say..

Oh look.. breast cancer accessories.

...and my favorite..breast cancer sexy lingerie..

Let me tell you what happens to me when I see splashes of pink on subway ads, or a stupid pink ribbon on your lapel, or when the Duane Reade cashier asks me if I want to donate $1 to breast cancer research, or a retail clerk hands me a flyer for a free mammogram like she's giving away candy, or when I notice pink Philadelphia cream cheese in the deli in AUGUST.... 

I break into a cold sweat. Which is a relief since I now have hot flashes.  There is nothing cute, nothing frilly, nothing sweet about breast cancer.  When I see these splashes of pink, I am reminded of that little black cloud that is hovering over me. The one that tells me "you know that cancer you beat, well it can just as easily come back." except my cloud isn't a dark cloud.  It's pink. 

So.. yeah..I guess "Haunted" is a good theme for October.

Comments

[george]

I'm not sure I get your point. Would you feel better if they got rid of all the ads and reminders that women should hget examined regularly? Is it a bad thing to wear the pink lapel pin to show support? I can't take your cancer away, but I can support the cause for a cure.

[lorna]

Hi George..

This article explains it better:

http://public-healthcare-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/whats_wrong_with_breast_cancer_awareness_month

There are better ways to remind woman to get examined.