Pink Ribbon Research Paper

The Pink Ribbon campaign first originated in 1992 and from there has grown into a widespread international movement. The overall focus and goal of the campaign is to generate and increase awareness, to provide the public with information, and to raise money for research. The reason that I chose to reflect on this particular topic, is because after having read the article Moving Beyond the Ribbon by Jill Moffett, I became interested in the infamous pink ribbon and wanted to further my knowledge on the topic. The Pink Ribbon Campaign, while undoubtedly a worthy movement, has become conflicted with controversy regarding pink washing, and the chemicals used to create Pink Ribbon products. Pink washing is a term that was introduced in the wake of the “think before you pink” campaign created by Breast Cancer Awareness. The term is defined as an organization or company who has stated that they are supporters of breast cancer research by “promoting a pink ribbon product, but at …show more content…
The problem is that many of the products are being made through the use of various toxic chemicals that increase the chance of getting breast cancer (Sartor 1). For example, cosmetic products such as cream, lipstick, and nail polish, are actually the “worst offenders in terms of harmful ingredients” (“Rethink Pink”) because they contain chemicals including sulfates, parabens, antiperspirants, and formaldehyde. Many of the chemicals that are used to create skin products have not been tested, and therefore have the potential to negatively affect our health. Being enlightened of such issues has made me consider whether or not purchasing these products is helping to beat breast cancer, or contributing to the rise of individuals with the disease. In one article, it states that “more than 40,000 women in the U.S. still die of the disease every year” (Sartor