I thought long and hard before I wrote this. I’m breaking my cardinal rule of the internet, don’t take anything on Twitter seriously, but this has got to me and I feel like my opinion is being misunderstood.
There has been a campaign on Twitter to encourage women to self examine to screen for breast cancer, something I am TOTALLY in favour of, I am incredibly passionate about educating women about their health. I also know that the people who have started the campaign and are supporting it have the best, BEST of intentions. This is in no way an attack against anyone involved; I think the initiative is fantastic. My issue is simply with the hashtag #feelthemupFriday.
I am not opposed to humour, I am not particularly PC and I am certainly NOT a prude or a “boob hater”. I am really concerned about the sexualisation of language around women’s cancers - I know, men can suffer from breast cancer too, but it is very rare. “Feeling up” is a term that is used to describe both consensual sexual activity, but often in cases sexual abuse or unwanted sexual attention. I think it is inappropriate to use that kind of language to engage women with self examination for breast cancer.
I get that it is about breaking down the taboo around touching your own breasts, but I think using sexualised language is counter-productive. I think women who do feel uncomfortable about touching their breasts would be more alienated by this message that self examination is in any way sexual.
This is not something that is exclusive to this campaign. The Pap Test ad that has been running on TV for years now is also completely hopeless (sorry can’t find it online). I feel like this ad is saying yes, a Pap Test is really uncomfortable and embarrassing and you should feel terrible about having a vagina and having to go through all this awkwardness, with all that squirming, wringing of hands and crossing of legs. I say bullshit. Why can’t the message just be, yep, you have to have one, it’s no big deal, get over it.
I just want the message to be clear and direct. No nudge nudge wink wink sexual innuendo, no conceding that it’s embarrassing or uncomfortable, just clear information delivered directly without the fuss.
BTW I’m wearing a very pink dress in my avatar, does that count?
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winifredjay reblogged this from smashedbear and added:
That was really the hashtag? Oh, my god.
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jeuxdeau liked this
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smashedbear reblogged this from ellymc
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thewetmale reblogged this from ellymc and added:
well said, thanks
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smashedbear liked this
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ellymc posted this
