Sometimes I think the universe gives me the middle finger at random times.
The previous post, Some Word Problems, was about a few words and phrases wearing me out recently. It took a long time to write—I kept going down many paths, packing in too many topics that annoy me. I struggled to keep on point and wound up making a list of other possible blog posts. Finally I got it down to a somewhat manageable and readable ramble, posted it, and immediately embarked on the rest of my busy day.
As I’ve mentioned before, I live in a rural, yet beach resort area, with a growing retiree population. This means lots of rural roads, traffic congestion—not just in the summer—that causes me to get stuck behind some cars for miles on end.
So what do I get stuck behind, just after posting a rant against the phrases about awareness and support? A large SUV, with a pink ribbon sticker over the left tail light bearing the phrase “breast cancer awareness”, and over the right tail light, a sticker bearing the official Komen version of the ribbon with the word “supporter” under it.
No, no, no…I’m not trying to criticize or belittle the car’s owner. Clearly this person’s heart is in the right place, and has made his or her choices about Pink. S/he has no issue with it—I do. I think the ubiquity of the ribbon has damaged, and will do more damage, to the conversation and the “cause” and to women in general. The damage of Pink for this specific Curmudgeon—well, that is what most of the posts on this blog are about.
But I don’t want to get into that.
It was just an odd moment that made me snort with grim laughter. So often, many breast cancer bloggers point out in the throes of Pinktober–hey breast cancer is every day for us, not just one month. Seeing those stickers I realized that it isn’t just the disease itself that is every damn day. With these stickers and other items folks buy and adorn themselves, their cars, their….argh…everything, with—there is no escape from Pink ribbons, 365 days a year. For me, the desire, the need, to spread the truths about breast cancer that Pink omits, is a 365 days a year task.
Or maybe the universe was just giving me the finger.
anotheronewiththecancer 
Yes, I wonder what the odds were for you to be stuck behind that exact vehicle at that exact point in time. I can just picture you grinning and almost hear that snorty laugh! As you said, all this stuff goes on 365 days a year 24/7. And this afternoon when I was at my club (yeah, like it’s mine) I was watching the Meredith Vieira Show and they were talking about heart disease in women. A woman dies every minute from heart disease in the US. And more women die from it than all cancers combined. And yet, it’s not the cute party disease is it? Breasts are so convenient and so much ‘fun’ to focus on. Anyway, for some reason that seemed to fit with your post, but I’m not exactly sure why or how. Boils down to the fact that yes, there is much work to be done 365.
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Yeah, it’s like, just because we are all worn out by October, does not mean silliness stops (like the Etheridge thing). Sigh. Thanks for liking this–and yep, you pictured me quite right!
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dear CC,
what’s that old Timex commercial? – “…it takes a licking, but it just keeps ticking.” it immediately popped into my head when I pictured you getting that eyeful of pink. you may get weary and shake your head, and realize there is no escape from all the pink ribbon fun fest crap – but you still keep on keeping on with your passion to give voice to the truth about breast cancer. THANK YOU!
much love,
Karen OOXXOO
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Thanks Karen! I’m trying! I DID just shake my head. As tired as we get tho’, just gotta keep on it, I suppose. Love, CC
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Yep…totally know the feeling. Bet you were like “REALLY????” Ugh. Agree that people do this pink stuff cause they really do think they’re helping & supporting bc people…their heart IS in the right place. Thanks to blogs like yours & many others, the truth is getting out there. xx
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And the truth thru your blog too! I hope the truth is getting out there (no thanks to Etheridge, right?). Oh well, we’ll just keep at it as best we can, right? xxoo Thanks!
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I can only imagine you sitting behind that vehicle with all that pink staring at you. Hey, it made for a great post though! 😉
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Ha ha, yeah, it was just so nuts–I mean I’d JUST posted the gripe about the words. Crazy!
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