Has the Pink Ribbon Overstayed Its Welcome?

After receiving a comment about corporations determining what causes we support in my last post, Millennials Drawn to Cause Brands, I decided to do some research. Since breast cancer awareness was mentioned in the comment, and we are all very aware of the little pink ribbon, I decided to focus on my research on companies using the pink ribbon on their products.

It is common to walk into a store and feel overwhelmed with pink products on the shelves, especially during the month of October. So, what's the deal with the pink ribbon? Why are so many companies producing a product and then slapping that pink ribbon on it? It's simple. Customers will buy the products. Everyone wants to feel like they are making a difference. In our society, if you say you are against buying the pink ribbon, shame on you, right? Wrong. In the past few years, there has been a backlash against the pink ribbon movement. 

The Backlash 

I think we can all agree we are aware of the breast cancer ribbon. I am by no means disregarding breast cancer as a very serious issue that affects so many women and men. This is specifically regarding the pink ribbon.  

Why are so many companies using the pink ribbon to promote their products? Because it's profitable! Consumers eat this up! I can't imagine there are too many people who have managed to not buy any products with the pink ribbon attached to it. From fried chicken to yogurt to socks, we've seen it all. So what are the problems?

1. How much of your money you spend on pink ribbon products is actually going to support breast cancer research and education?
2. Do companies limit the amount of money they will donate to breast cancer programs regardless of how many products are purchased after the limit has been met?
3. Are the products you are purchasing to benefit breast cancer programs contain cancer causing materials or toxins in them?

These are a few questions many consumers have begun to ask themselves before purchasing products with the pink ribbon on it. I am a firm believe that companies should practice social responsibility. However, companies need to practice social responsibility for the purpose of being socially responsible, not solely for their own self-interest. There is a fine line between marketing your social responsible practices to make your company transparent with stakeholders, and marketing social responsibility in a deceiving manner to make profits. Want to learn more? Check out Think Before You Pink. 

Do you think the pink ribbon has overstayed its welcome? Leave your comments.