E-mail updates
Follow on Twitter
Subscribe to RSS
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com
A new story on the fiscal implications of the Keep A Breast Foundation’s unwieldy windfall in the wake of their “i ♥ boobies” cause bracelet campaign raised a few questions here at TODAY Moms about the other ramifications of the story.
It’s relatively no surprise that an item emblazoned with the word “boobies” has taken off like hotcakes among teenage boys (so much so that certain schools have banned the bracelet), but does that really “count” as raising awareness? By appealing – knowingly or otherwise – to the “Beavis & Butthead” contingent (i.e., those easily reduced to fits of prurient snickering at the utterance of certain key words), has the Keep A Breast Foundation achieved their goal by subterfuge? Is the average high school teen sporting one of these bracelets honestly concerned – or even aware – of its intended function?
By the same token, does it even matter if they aren’t?
UPDATE: The "boobies" controversy took a new turn on Monday as two Philadelphia moms took their school district to court after their daughters were suspended from wearing the bracelets. School officials say the bracelets were banned for being distracting, vulgar and demeaning, while the mothers are alleging that the district’s disciplinary actions against their daughters impinge on their First Amendmant rights. Click here to read the full story.
Share your thoughts in the comments section.
"Like" TODAY Moms on Facebook, and follow us @TodayMoms
Leave a Comment:
i think its great..anything that gets the word out there is good...kids will turn anything and evrything around to make it funny..or wrong..but it starts em talking...kids are never too young to learn about major health stuff no matter how the conversation starts...its great and funny.
Please google "I Love Boobies...: Read all of the many stories accross the country. Silly? yes, but spreading awareness ? they are. Listen to the children! They are trying to support a cause that works in their demagraphic lifestyle. Are there any less distractions or thoughts of boobies in the schools and by teenage boy since the bracelets have been banned? Doubt it..
I think it is so crazy that something so big and so amazing to spread awareness about breast cancer is being banned. In what world in 2010 is it not ok to say boobies. Im pretty sure that is not the worst word kids are sayin in school these days. Why not let our kids do something good, we are so worried about the bad stuff they do that we cant even allow something so good. I am just disgusted by parents like me getting so worked up about this, there are by far way more things to be worried about.
It's a great thing to raise health issues with the youth. And, probably not a bad thing to do it with a little class... maybe they'll take it seriously.
I'm thinking of creating a bracelet to raise awareness for prostate cancer. The wording etched on the bracelet will be " I heart dick."
Precedent has been set. I hope your daughter wears one.
Here's the problem--what are those mom's suing over? If they knew what the rule was and continued to ok their kid's wearing them, they are at fault. They should have sued over the ban before they were suspended if that's their point. People who sue school districts should realize that they are suing themselves and their own children specifically.
Parents think that school districts should have the exact same values as them and that everyone who goes to the school has those same values too. If two boys were suspended for wearing a Hooters shirt that said I heart boobies, would we feel the same way? This charity has made a poor choice to sell bracelets--Live Strong has managed quite well without resorting to being crude.
Last year 40,000 women died from breast cancer and 1 in 8 women contract the disease. The government funded almost $700 million on research.
Last year 30,000 men died from prostate cancer and 1 in 6 men contract the disease. The government spent only $390 million on research.
So if the 'boobies" wrist bands are good for awareness of breast cancer, I shudder to think what the comparable prostate wrist band will say. Let me speculate ... "breasts" and "boobies" both start with the letter "b."
 These braclets are not just for " kids". I am 66, my friend, who has breast cancer, is about 50 ( I've never asked her ) I ordered two bracelets for us, and we will wear them as soon as they arrive. As to the word " boobies", I have hear a lot worse/demeaning terms. Not sure I know ANYTHING about high schools in this century, not sure if anyone does.