Month: October 2012

Pinxploitation: The grand finale

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Here’s a level-headed article by Virginia Postrel, who finds that cancer comes in more shades than pink. Who knew?

And here are a few more images to finish out the month. It’s Halloween–and what could be sexier and scarier than breast cancer? If you hurry, you may still be able to run down to Walgreen’s drug store and pick up one of these babies:

And if you need to hold something in place, just use your handy breast cancer stapler (these really do have awkward resonances, don’t they?)

More stationery for the cure…

We got breast cancer snacks:

…and breast cancer juice:

…AAAAnd breast cancer water. Bottoms up! That’s all I got.

An embarrassment of pinxploitation

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Hoo boy! We survived the storm, we’re almost at the end of the month, and there’s so much more pink crap to post! We’re gonna have to speed up…

De-lint for the cure!

Pink-ribbon toilet paper? Whoever’s idea this was, they didn’t think it all the way through.

Secure your valuables while showing your support…

…and if remembering a sequence of 3 numbers strains you, just use your breast cancer key. It costs a bit more than a skull, but it’s less than a butterfly!

What a wealth of conscience-appeasement is contained in this cardboard box! You should definitely be a better person if you eat this–or at least buy it. Frozen, mushy, mass-produced anti-aging mixed veg for the cure!

And afterward, have a frosty treat and know that you’re helping the Cause!

 

Say it with breast cancer

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Maybe I have a twisted perspective, but this strikes me as particularly bad taste:

I just imagining someone one dying of breast cancer and her family being given these; or, even worse…

Three exclamation points means you REALLY CARE!!!

Worst of all, though, was the funeral home I passed (alas, without my phone) with, yep, a breast-cancer awareness banner draped across the front. What, do they have a special this month: die of breast cancer in October, get 10% off your casket? In fairness, though, I can understand the logic behind the banner. If someone is cured, they are on the side of humanitarianism and compassion; if not, business just gets better. It’s a win-win!

 

Pinxploitation Sandwich: Annals of Discomfiting Resonances

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Feel like a nice, conscience-appeasing grilled cheese sandwich? Keep in mind that according to the CDC, Black women have a 60% higher death rate due to breast cancer. Yet our local store features this breast cancer bread:

What, no pendulous pumpernickel? And of course, Americans love their processed cheese-like food products, so pick up a pack of pink slices while you’re at the store…

Keepin’ it real (cheese).

Pinxploitation

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It’s my favorite month: pink! My secret agent and I have been prowling the aisles, looking for the best in household items, tasty treats, and of course feminine products for the cure…er, but now that’s “cause,” ’cause Komen copped “cure” and will sue yer ass if you try to cure anything without their permission. I’ll bring you as many of these as I can, and meanwhile, read Samantha King’s Pink Ribbons, Inc., from UMN Press, or if you’re lazy, watch the movie. And feel free to submit more via the  comments!

We begin by noting how product endorsements can have odd resonances:

Wait, you sure this isn’t for ovarian cancer?