Just in time for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Gayle Sulik, volunteer research associate in the Womens Studies Department at SUNY Albany, will discuss her book, “Pink Ribbon Blues: How Breast Cancer Culture Undermines Women’s Health” (Oxford University Press, 2010, $29.95).”
All are welcome to attend the free lecture.
Book abstract: Pink ribbon paraphernalia saturate shopping malls, billboards, magazines, television and other venues, all in the name of breast cancer awareness. In this compelling and provocative work, Gayle Sulik shows that though this “pink ribbon culture” has brought breast cancer advocacy much attention, it has not had the desired effect of improving women’s health. It may, in fact, have done the opposite. Based on eight years of research, analysis of advertisements and breast cancer awareness campaigns, and hundreds of interviews with those affected by the disease, “Pink Ribbon Blues” highlights the hidden costs of the pink ribbon as an industry, one in which breast cancer has become merely a brand name with a pink logo. Indeed, while survivors and supporters walk, run, and purchase ribbons for a cure, cancer rates rise, the cancer industry thrives, corporations claim responsible citizenship while profiting from the disease, and breast cancer is stigmatized anew for those who reject the pink ribbon model. But Sulik also outlines alternative organizations that make a real difference, highlights what they do differently, and presents a new agenda for the future.
Sulik was invited to campus by her good friend, Paul Calarco, an instructor in the Department History, Philosophy and Social Sciences. He is offering copies of the book for only $16. E-mail him at p.calarco@hvcc.edu to reserve a copy.
Today at 3 p.m. in the BTC Auditorium
Published: Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0000 by d.gardner