This is an example of profiteering in the name of a deadly disease. The store makes no pretense ... there are no signs saying they'll make a donation and there are no statements saying that the manufacturer is interested in a cure. Plain and simple ... it's about making money. I asked several cashiers in this department store their thoughts.
"Oh, of course a donation is made. Probably to Komen."
"It's required by law that anything with a pink ribbon has to have a donation to Komen." (Note: ANYONE can slap a pink ribbon on ANY product. There are no laws requiring any type of donation to be made to anyone. A stylized version (like Komen's or even like mine) can be copyrighted, but the generic ribbon is up for grabs for anyone's use.)
"Everyone who buys a pink ribbon product knows we make a donation." (This product was being sold in Sears. Sears partners with non-profit organizations via community involvement including volunteerism and merchandise/monetary donations. They partner with Rebuilding Together, St. Judes and March of Dimes.)
"Breast cancer is cured now, so donations really aren't needed. People don't die of breast cancer any more."
I went to a store next door to get some tee shirts (more about them later) and the owner is from Korea. She didn't understand my campaign and she said, "Well, women in the United States don't die of breast cancer anymore, so I don't know why you are saying these things. Breast cancer is a problem in other countries, but not here."
So much for "awareness."
"Oh, of course a donation is made. Probably to Komen."
"It's required by law that anything with a pink ribbon has to have a donation to Komen." (Note: ANYONE can slap a pink ribbon on ANY product. There are no laws requiring any type of donation to be made to anyone. A stylized version (like Komen's or even like mine) can be copyrighted, but the generic ribbon is up for grabs for anyone's use.)
"Everyone who buys a pink ribbon product knows we make a donation." (This product was being sold in Sears. Sears partners with non-profit organizations via community involvement including volunteerism and merchandise/monetary donations. They partner with Rebuilding Together, St. Judes and March of Dimes.)
"Breast cancer is cured now, so donations really aren't needed. People don't die of breast cancer any more."
I went to a store next door to get some tee shirts (more about them later) and the owner is from Korea. She didn't understand my campaign and she said, "Well, women in the United States don't die of breast cancer anymore, so I don't know why you are saying these things. Breast cancer is a problem in other countries, but not here."
So much for "awareness."
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