I am a feminist. I also strive to be an intelligent, socially aware, and reasonable human being, and I can tell you that feminism simply for feminism’s sake is feminism’s biggest problem.
Feminism is seen as that dirty eight letter word made up of crazy, man hating harpies to many, all because of people who blindly push feminism onto everything without considering the bigger picture.
In the October 14th article concerning breast cancer awareness, the author does exactly this: She makes an issue where none exists and casts an even more negative light on myself and other feminists around this country. The article comes off as so irrational and small minded that I am actually astonished the author would openly admit to wearing a bra and doesn’t tout the whole “bras are man-made torture devices that only serve to make women’s breasts appear larger and perkier for men’s pleasure” philosophy.
As someone who has spent days on end striving to raise funding and awareness for breast cancer research, I find it disheartening to hear feminism being used as a way to encourage people not to purchase brands that donate to fight breast cancer.
“Save the Ta-Ta’s” may not be the most eloquent phrase to come out of the 21st century, but the company behind it has raised almost one million dollars to help fight breast cancer.
Mike’s Hard Lemonade has donated a quarter of a million dollars and started the campaign after losing someone near and dear to the company to this terrible disease, and if that is not a good cause, I don’t know what is.
Concerning the American Cancer Society’s warning about increased cancer risks: women will still buy alcohol, I will still buy alcohol, you will (I am assuming, unless you are up for sainthood) still buy alcohol, and I personally would rather have a percent of my money go to a cause I support.
I am also insulted that the author would seriously suggest that some women may not undergo necessary mastectomies because of the “Save the Ta-Ta’s” or “I Love Boobies” campaigns. If the author truly believes this, then she
obviously does not think very highly of her fellow women’s intelligence or judgment.
Take it from me I certainly do not believe that my value and my cup size (or lack thereof) are somehow related, and I do think that THAT is an issue that needs feminism’s attention, but no one actually believes that either of these slogans are suggesting that women should forgo treatment and “save” their boobies.
Obviously, I would hate to undergo a mastectomy, as I like my breasts right where they are (does that make me a bad person?), but if my life were on the line, I would choose my life over my boobs, and I have faith in all women to be smarter than the author apparently thinks they are and make the same decision.
“Save the Ta-Ta’s” is a user-friendly slogan that makes breast cancer a more approachable subject for younger women and men in today’s culture and helps gain support and spread awareness.
You don’t teach toddlers to say, “Excuse me I have to use the restroom;” you teach them, “I have to go potty.” No, it is not the most professional way to phrase it, but what’s more important is that the target audience is receptive to the message.
Women have been diagnosed with breast cancer at as young as ten years old, and ninety percent of men don’t even realize they can also get breast cancer. That slogan, even if it is slightly crass, is marketable and practical in today’s society, and therefore, vital in
fighting breast cancer.
Abigail Woltering