We'll be focused on causes "for the cure" (Don't sue me, I'm using a small "f", small "c" ) based on real science and less politics) instead. This appears to be a common sentiment.
And, by giving to other organizations instead of Komen, it will be nice not to support ludicrously obesogenic products with pink ribbons on them. Less obesity = less cancer deaths.
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Update: Komen reversed its controversial funding decisions, but it appears the PR damage was already done....
I think we'll join you! Looks like they've grown way to big for their own good. These big charities turn into marketing powerhouses and waste a crapload of money on things they shouldn't be spending on. And in essence their main purpose becomes fundraising middlemen (I'm looking at you, United Way) for those unwilling or able to give directly to charities that are actually doing the heavy lifting.
ReplyDeletePink is overrated. I can't tell you how many times I feel nauseated by seeing the pink ribbons on things that do not have any place in promoting health or wellness, or cancer prevention. I totally support breast cancer research and helping disadvantaged people get access to preventive screening. But I also support the efforts put into preventing all types of cancer, for men and women. I am not a flag waver or a ribbon waver. I think the saddest part of this fiasco with Komen is that the people who need help most are the ones who suffer the collateral damage.
ReplyDeleteThanks Kyle and Alene! I debated on posting anything, but reached the limit with the recent news. I first saw how some non-profits worked via my wife and friends' career (summary: a lot of good eggs doing a lot of good, real work on prevention, treatment, and disparity/access issues for little money), and more recently, as a researcher, began understanding how things like cancer research actually work (even more of a long, hard road with less money from some very dedicated individuals).
ReplyDeleteThere was a very real need over the past several decades to discuss breast cancer and preventive care openly and honestly, and I applaud all previous efforts towards that.
Now, the "consumption" of a disease, through marketing and productization, already made me uncomfortable, but denying the very fundamentals that can help reduce the disease's affects (namely, addressing disparities via access, promoting wellness, and educating about known environmental factors) pushed me over the edge. I truly feel that Komen has crossed the line from operating less efficiently than it could into actually having some harmful affects towards stated goals.