Friday, September 2, 2011

So you want to support Breast Cancer Awareness....




Or anything else for that matter....

Do you really think posting an odd status on Facebook is going to help?

Okay, it might, as in there will be people upset (like me) and post about the real cause, but the status itself isn't going to do much.

I posted something to my personal Facebook page tonight (and my Blog's Facebook page, too) about the recent Facebook "Breast Cancer Awareness" viral message that is going around. These posts received some pretty varied responses.

Some people thought the games were a fun way to get people interested, others were hurt, and some people were annoyed. 

Now, before I get into this subject, let me say,

I am in NO way against supporting ANY Cancer Awareness! 


Okay, thanks for listening to that part. 

I am appalled at this new game that is being played. Women message other women and tell them to post a certain status so that we can raise awareness.... here is the message:

Ok pretty ladies, it's that time of year again, in support of breast cancer awareness!! Remember last year so many people took part that it made national news and, the constant updating of status reminded everyone why we're doing this and helped raise awareness!! Do NOT tell any males what the status' mean, keep them guessing!! And please copy and paste (in a message )this to all your female friends to see if we can make a bigger fuss this year than last year!!! I did my part... now YOUR turn!

The idea is to choose the month you were born and the day you were born. Pass this on to the girls only and lets see how far it reaches around. The last one about the bra went round allovr the world. So you'll write... I'm (your birth month) weeks and I'm craving (your birth date)!!! as your status.

Example: Feb 14th= I'm 2 weeks and craving Chocolate mints!!

January-1week
Febuary-2weeks
March-3weeks
April-4weeks
May-6weeks
June-8weeks
July-10weeks
August-12weeks
September-13weeks
October-14weeks
November-16weeks
December-18weeks

Days of the month: 1-Skittles 2-Starburst 3-Kit-Kat 4-M&M's 5-Galaxy 6-Crunchie 7-Dairy Milk 8-Lollipop 9-Peanut Butter Cups 10-Meat Balls 11-Twizzlers 12-Bubble Gum 13-Hershey's Kisses 14-Chocolate Mints 15-Twix 16-Resse's Fastbreak 17-Fudge 18-Cherry Jello 19-Milkyway 20-Pickels 21-Creme Eggs 22-Skittles 23-Gummy Bears 24-Gummy Worms 25-Strawberry Pop Tarts 26-Starburst 27-Mini Eggs 28-Kit-Kat Chunkie 29-Double Chocolate Chip Chrunchy Cookies 30-Smarties 31-Chocolate Cake.


This particular game isn't as innocent as other games I have seen. I have seen the "Post your shoe size then 'inches' :( after" status, the "I like it "where ever your purse goes"" status, and the infamous bra color status

The current Facebook status game can cause people pain. Sure, I might be over doing this, and I am sure for the majority of people it is just a fun game, but what about the mothers who read these status updates and think they are going to be a grandmom (or the dads, who aren't included in this "secret")! 

Or even worse. What about all the young women who have had breast cancer and now are sterile because of the treatment.... they get to see these status updates that are supposed to support their cause, but are also playing on a pregnancy they will never get to experience.

Now, I will not ever say I am perfect, as I am not. But I would really like others to think about this game, and I would like to dare you all to start spreading around a new kind of email message.... one that helps us all support Breast Cancer Awareness.

Did you know that MEN can get breast cancer, too? Yes, they can. While Breast Cancer is much more common in women, is awareness something we should really keep from the men when it concerns them as well? 

Anyhow... before this becomes terribly long, why don't we all try posting some facts about Breast Cancer as our status, or share great links that help fund mammograms for women in need. There are plenty of true statements that can get just as much shock value as these silly games.

2 fantastic comments:

The Smiths said...

I could hug you. Thank you!

I had a friend, sadly she lost her battle with breast cancer, who could not have children because of the treatments. She would have cried for days about these statuses. It was hard enough on her without others rubbing it in her face.

nicole said...

Yes! The only way I would participate in this particular "game" or whatever is if a donation to a reputable organization was tied to the status update. Additionally, is awareness really the issue at this point? Instead of awareness, let's focus on actual research and prevention.

By the way, love your blog name and design (I have six too!). Visited via Triberr link from Fab Find Foodie.

 
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