If you look around on campus on any given day, you can see students sporting the trending "I heart boobies!" bracelets. During the month of October, it was hard not to notice the abundance of bracelets. Rather than selling donuts or collecting change, the KAB organization ("Keep A Breast") was and still is making a difference with their bold advertisement techniques.
Yes, the slogan is quite blunt and awkward, but since the year 2000, the organization has educated and raised awareness across the country with the colorful rubber bracelets. So why is the Easton Area School district in Pennsylvania appealing for a state ban on bracelets to the Supreme Court? Well some people believe that it's disrespectful.
Many parents think that the bracelets are sending a demeaning message to children making it appropriate to laugh at boobs and make tasteless jokes. However the wrist-wear actually serves a great purpose. Sometimes you need something catchy and bold to bring attention to a certain issue.
"We want to remove the shame associated with breasts and breast health, and this message represents our positive approach to breast cancer dialogue. The program resonates with young people, and encourages them to be open and active about breast cancer prevention," stated KAB on their national website. The revenue from the merchandise has raised money for research studies as well as other KAB programs. This project has also received national media attention and nation wide support.
With all consumer products, it is the responsibility of the consumer to act appropriate and to make the right decisions. Whether the consumer takes the product's meaning out of context is not the company's responsibility. KAB's message with the "I heart boobies!" merchandise is pure and innocent. It is in no means downgrading women or making fun of breast cancer. It is just an advertisement tool to gain more support and to have the younger demographics appreciate and relate to the project.
As stated on the KAB website, "Wearing an "I love boobies!" bracelet or shirt proclaims, "I love my boobs, and I choose to take care of them!" It is a message about how important it is to appreciate, respect, and love your breasts and yourself."
