Instead of marching against the man, we shop for a cure

Pink Ribbons, Inc. looks at how the breast cancer movement has moved from activism to consumerism and challenges viewers to rethink their assumptions about the meaning of breast cancer in our society.

Featuring interviews with an array of experts, authors, activists and medical professionals, the film also includes the participation of leading players in breast cancer fundraising and marketing. It also addresses the disturbing practice of “pink washing,” which is when a company that manufacturers products that increase the risk of breast cancer in turn raises money to fight the disease.

 Talk back to the experts

After the film, I will facilitate a panel discussion with these experts:

• Tracy Cook-Brewton, of the Sisters Network Carolinas, Inc., which serves the breast health needs of African-American women, will address the point that breast cancer is marketed as a disease that strikes middle-class Caucasian women. She will provide information about how this affects access to care and treatment.
• Ann Fox, PhD,  Associate Professor of English and Gender Studies Concentration Coordinator at Davidson College, who  is interested in the “prettiness” versus “power” factor of the ubiquitous pink ribbon.
• Neel Stallings, Susan G. Komen for the Cure Outstanding volunteer of the year (2012) and Interim Director of the Charlotte Komen affiliate, will address the role of Komen affiliates, their degree of autonomy from the parent organization and the $11m granted since 1998 in the local area to underserved breast health needs.
• Rosemarie Tong, PhD, Distinguished Professor of Health Care Ethics in the Department of Philosophy and Director of the Center for Applied and Professional Ethics at UNC Charlotte, will speak to the ethical questions raised in the film.