By: Menico’s Corner | July 03, 2022
Every October, we take the entire month to observe and promote Breast Cancer Awareness. We show our respects to survivors by sporting the pink ribbon to raise awareness, and on social media, we can see and share memes to bring awareness. Not long ago, maybe about 6 or 7 years back, women were sent private messages asking them to update their social media status with their name and color (color of their bra). This was done to raise awareness for breast cancer, resulting in men asking questions about these weird status updates from women who posted them.
In my opinion, this campaign helped in more than one way. One, it aided in spreading awareness of the severity of breast cancer and its impact on so many people and their loved ones. Also, although many were unaware of the meaning of these status updates, several people were aware. Indeed this kind of campaign that simply started by asking women to post a status update with their color started a significant movement and brought much-needed awareness to Breast Cancer. The biggest takeaway was the extensive impact it had on men. Many people thought breast cancer only impacted women when breast cancer is rated E for everyone. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), particularly in the first 5 years of diagnosis, men are more likely to die faster than the opposite sex. Due to low their lack of awareness, men were less likely to seek medical attention when they found a small lump. However, thanks to this campaign, light has been shield on how a small lump can be more severe than we think.
Risk and Reward: Status Updates
Some might think it wasn’t the brightest idea to write a status update and include the color of their bra because it could attract and invite unwanted advances from men on the internet; however, there are no rewards if we don’t take any risks. I’m not saying it’s ok to make inappropriate advances, but I think this risk was taken into account; hence, no one was vocal about the meaning behind the mysterious status updates. Granted, attention was being drawn to the cause; women were aware of what it meant and the cause, whereas men were a bit lost in the sauce.
Status Update: 6 months down, 2 more to go. #Black
I remember the first time I saw one of these mysterious posts. It was Tumblr; I was very active on this site in my undergrad days. When I first saw it, I was somewhat confused. I thought many of my female friends were writing in cryptic code and found it rather annoying. Each year around October, I would see that weird language again, which made me a bit curious after some time. I remember finally reaching out to a friend, asking the meaning behind the mysterious status updates. Upon finding the purpose, I immediately contacted my sisters and close female relatives with social media accounts and told them about it.
To be fair, the people in charge of the memes could have done a better job bringing awareness to breast cancer. For instance, they could have provided more stories and backgrounds associated with memes and encouraged supporters to share them to help spread more awareness.
NFL: On Wednesday, We Wear Pink.
When it comes to the world of sports, all across the board, there is participation in spreading awareness about breast cancer. Breast cancer awareness month takes place during the best time of the year. Football Season. I don’t know about you, but I love how involved the NFL is in bringing awareness to breast cancer. The players, coaches, and even the refs wear pink. Whether it’s pink jerseys for the refs, pretty pink cleats/ socks for the team, and fans sporting their teams’ jerseys in pink. Even the football includes the pink bow symbolizing National Breast Cancer Awareness and is highlighted several times throughout each game. Information is being shared, and ways to donate are provided to fans and those sitting at home. This campaign has proven to be relatively successful, and to date, the NFL has raised more than $8 million. What a fantastic feat!
About Me
Hi, I’m Shemeika. A grad student and active duty service member. I recently started blogging in 2022 for a class assignment and found it rather interesting. I spend most of my time serving my country and sketching at nearby coffee shops. This blog is for my love of life and sharing my favorites with you!
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Menico Hart 
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