Y not other women's health issues, too?
I know I can be thrown out of the girls' tree house for even thinking this, but I can't stop myself: Isn't the big Mother's Day / breast cancer thing getting just a little out of hand?
Leaving aside, for the moment, the incredible, cloying pink-ness of it, I think what really gets to me is the narrowness of its focus. Is breast cancer bad? Yes, obviously. As far as I know, no one is staging a big march in favor of it.
And, though I've never seen any real proof of this, I'm willing to believe that, at some point in our history, The Man, in the guise of the mainstream medical establishment, didn't pay as much attention to breast cancer as other diseases because only women got it. But I have the feeling that moment has passed.
And, anyway, more women now die of lung cancer than breast cancer anyway.
And there's pretty compelling evidence that for many women -- especially poor and minority women -- heart disease is a far greater threat.
Internationally, AIDS kills so many young women that they never get old enough to even develop breast cancer.
Wouldn't it be nice to pay attention to those women's health issues, too? (I mean, since we were busily printing up pink t-shirts anyway.)
Comments
Shame on you Debra Pickett! You are destined for mysogynist hell!!
Posted by: Your conscience | May 12, 2006 11:24 AM
You are as shallow as a puddle in your recent ramblings, blog wise and in the paper. All women's health issues merit attention, research and funding.
Pink-cloying? Since breast cancer generally does not follow noted risk factors such as smoking, weight, lack of exercise or sexual contact, it is imperitive that women are pro-active. The awareness campaign is a good way to remind women to have mammograms. It also serves to de-stigmatize the devastating process a cure requires. Someday you will realize that you were too brittle and judging in your youth. Women should never have to prioritize their commitment to health issues, and they certainly should not have to defend them in the light of a snippy columnist.
Posted by: Janet Dahl | May 13, 2006 02:04 PM
Thank you!! I have been saying the same thing for years, always prefaced by "I shouldn't say this because I am a woman, but..." ALL cancers are bad. Personally, I believe breast cancer gets so much focus here because our breasts are so important - to men. Our society has made them such a part of our "womanhood," we aren't whole without them.
Posted by: Paula | May 15, 2006 01:06 PM
I'm somewhere in the middle. I don’t agree with the extreme attacks on Debra’s character but I wouldn’t completely dismiss the sensitivity of the issue. I think it's wonderful that women have managed to turn what was a taboo subject into a strong, celebrated movement. I walked with my husband on Sunday and raised a little money. My husband and I felt really good about participating. His mother is a breast cancer survivor. Seeing so many people participate in a cause because they care and they want to make a difference is a wonderful experience.
On the other hand, I also see that maybe it is time for the next movement or movements to begin. We can do so much when a cause is rallied for so strongly. Fundraising as well as increasing awareness and support are powerful ways to help others.
Posted by: Yasmeen Schuller | May 16, 2006 11:02 AM