Comments for Feminist Lab

Comment on “Save the ta-tas” – Sexualizing Breast Cancer by Lr

Lr — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 14:58:02 +0000

you live without your breasts, and then tell me how “least lethal” it is! Any cancer is-YES, but I think it is a nifty little saying, what else are we supposed to say? save her “boobs”, or “breasts”? that would not sound cute, “save her boobs” lol. Or go colon cancer, really I think anyway you can get cancer awareness out there is effective………just look your all talking about it right???

Comment on Sex Sells: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Commodification of Women by Robb

Robb — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 20:32:08 +0000

There was a beautiful picture taken a few years back that included approx 10-12 women of varying ages, who had all undergone radical breast removal surgery.

Comment on “Save the ta-tas” – Sexualizing Breast Cancer by KT

KT — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 00:31:31 +0000

I agree. It always annoys the crap out of me.
Why not just “cure cancer” in all forms? Why do we only care about booby cancer? It’s one of the least lethal & least occuring cancers, but it seems to get all the attention. And don’t get me started with how all fund-raising is linked to pink.
While I donate to cancer/medical research – I will not fund anything that pushes only breast cancer or perpetuates the pink=women stereotype.

Comment on Say Yes to The Dress: Big Bliss – A Good Thing For Body Image by Bride

Bride — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 01:09:06 +0000

I didn’t see the commercial.. Wish I did..I’m on it this season

Comment on Sex Sells: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Commodification of Women by Kimberly Smith

Kimberly Smith — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 05:24:34 +0000

I appreciate that breast cancer awareness campaigns have a right to exist, I’m just questioning the price we are paying for all the monies raised. Since I wrote this article, I did a bunch of research and wrote and article for Feminists For Choice, about the actual awareness these campaigns provide and the progress on detection and prevention methods. What I discovered is that most awareness websites provide little information on breast cancer itself, and often its buried behind platforms to donate and buy pink products. Of the sites that did provide information on breast cancer, the information provided was inconsistent and in some cases flat out incorrect. Mammograms are very old technology and many doctors debate their effectiveness–though this fact is rarely discussed on ‘pink’ sites. Recommendations for when and how often a woman should get a mammogram is also disputed. So with all the ‘awareness’ being raised, I question what are we actually learning and what progress is actually being made. The UCI Medical Center website does talk about progress being made in estrogen research, but that was the most interesting and relevant information I found. In the end I think my main point is that we should be critical of what the media is selling us. My grandmother had breast cancer and I absolutely support the women, men and families that are forced to fight cancer, but is all this ‘awareness’ really helping them?

As far as the idea about ‘sex sells’, I have not read nor heard that sexually suggestive media detracts from consumption, I’ll have to do some research on that.

Comment on Sex Sells: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Commodification of Women by Matilda Crass

Matilda Crass — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 02:15:49 +0000

If you only think of breasts as sexual “objects” then you too will only see the sexualization of the campaign. Considering the prevelance of breast cancer and it’s success rate of remission if caught early, the campaign has a right to exist even as it evolves into whatever society makes it. I appreciate your argument, but disagree on a personal level. I share your ideals concerning the sexualization of women and the dissection of body parts (as floating objects with no soul attached) as a fellow feminist, I do not, however, personally think of breasts merely as sexual objects; that said, there is more than one reason to help those with breast cancer.
And, it is my understanding that sex does not sell. Apparently sexually suggestive media distracts people from the product being sold.

Comment on Sex Sells: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Commodification of Women by Kimberly Smith

Kimberly Smith — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 23:46:41 +0000

Absolutely. Especially if the ad campaigns somehow made prostate cancer sexy. I think that female body is much more sexualized than the male body, however, so I don’t know that this would happen.

And I really hate that both campaigns choose such gender stereotypical colors–its not even just pink and blue, its literally light pink and baby blue as if cancer awareness and support is/should be divided on such a base physiological level. I understand that the majority of people who get breast cancer are women and that only the male body physically has a prostate, but cancer effects all people, the people who get the cancer and their family members and friends–regardless of gender. Even if you can’t get a particular kind of cancer, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t support awareness and research. I actually think there should just be “Cancer Awareness Month” with the individual societies and foundations all running campaigns that support awareness by providing informaiton. There is a great article on the Women’s Rights blog that points out that while its Breast Cancer Awareness Month, its fairly difficult to actually find information on women’s health and breast cancer.

Comment on An Ode to Ursula Le Guin by Serena

Serena — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:28:55 +0000

I saw LeGuin speak several years ago, and she had a great argument about the connection between feminism and environmental justice. I just wish she had carried her argument to the logical conclusion by advocating for veganism.

Comment on Sex Sells: Breast Cancer Awareness and the Commodification of Women by Serena

Serena — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 22:27:23 +0000

Just to play devil’s advocate, would you be opposed to blue ribbons and nut-sack infused ad campaigns if it got the word out about prostate cancer? Something tells me you would, but I just have to throw a wrench into the conversation.

Comment on Sacrificial Parenthood by kmac

kmac — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 02:11:08 +0000

Grandkids are wonderful, love them, teach them your knowledge, your experience, your truth. But don’t forget the planet needs you too!!! Speak your truth, share your knowledge , engage life – we need your wisdom!! Be loud!! Speak, let us all hear you!!

YOu don’t get to be a worthy grandparent without being a worthy human – Share!!