As much as I understand and support breast cancer awareness in October, I did not feel compelled to talk about it much (other than a gentle reminder to do a breast self examination) this year. As time goes by, I feel as though the cosmetic industry is seeing October as a “let’s come out with pink products, slap pink ribbons on them, and c-c-c-cash in!” month. Harsh as it may be, it certainly looks like that’s what’s going on.
Just like Valentine’s Day, Breast Cancer Awareness month is becoming more and more commercialised. Sure the pink makeup’s pretty. But it annoys me at times when I see these major cosmetic tycoons churn out products, telling the public that they would, for example, donate 10 cents of every product sold. The thing is, these “limited edition” products usually cost a pretty penny. What is ten cents compared to the huge profit margin they get in return? Merely chicken feed.
For once, I’d love to see a cosmetic brand say “this year, there will be no new products just for breast cancer awareness month. We will, instead, donate the money to an awareness foundation and/or charity”. That would be good now, wouldn’t it?
Breast cancer awareness should be carried out every day. Women going through breast cancer and survivors of the illness should be remembered every day, and not just in October. Breast self examinations should be done every month (something I finally started doing and have continued to do so after seeing the GP and doing my pap smear).
I did not intend this post to be patronising, especially for those who have bought limited edition makeup during the awareness month. Or even rally for breast cancer awareness in forms of walks and marathons (hats off to you. Really). I’m simply writing this to remind myself that I should never get carried away with all the new and pink products I see come October (and I do. It is difficult to resist those pretty, pink items). Hopefully I’ll remember to read this post again next October and remind myself to donate that money to the National Breast Cancer Foundation instead.
I’m totally with you on this.
You said it. I placed a pink ribbon on my header for October and wrote one reminder post but that was it. I refused to get into the pink hype because that sort of money could be better spent sent directly to charities instead of for promotions or limited edition products.
Agree. When you see a wave of cosmetic giants going pink and ribbon, you know it’s time to stop supporting breast cancer awareness by buying.
The mere fact that much more is spent on the pink advertisement itself rather than being donated just irks me.
I completely 100% agree with you. Quite frankly, it’s quite disgusting that companies twist and abuse something like breast cancer awareness. They make everyone believe that they support the cause when their donations and commitment aren’t sincere at all.
Alright you go Tine! You’re not patronising at all and I simply agree with what you have blogged here. I myself find it disgusting that these companies try to make money out of illnesses like cancer as money making moment ..i cant take their pledge seriously 10 cents go to the cause..10 CENTS?! How many women would buy these products that even cost us more than an arm! Greed sure comes in many forms i must say. October I do my own awareness for myself and I think I will do what you do to donate my money directly to the foundation rather than a measly 10 cent go to the cancer cause money grabbing greed people. …sorry, its matters like this that annoy me 🙁 and makes me rant so i better stop 😀