In an effort to make young people more aware of breast cancer, the Keep-A-Breast organization is marketing wrist bands which proclaim "I [heart] Boobies." Middle school and high school students around the country are wearing these to school and finding themselves in conflict with dress codes.
Some critics believe the organization intentionally used edgy language just to draw attention to itself, and that wearing the products at school prompts inappropriate behavior and language. Other critics argue that the campaign focuses on the breast rather than the person.
Link (with video).
"We have an existing dress code that specifically states clothing, jewelry or accessories with sexually suggestive language or images is not allowed at school, said Avants. A number of other school districts require students to flip the bracelets inside out so the word "boobies" is not visible.
Some critics believe the organization intentionally used edgy language just to draw attention to itself, and that wearing the products at school prompts inappropriate behavior and language. Other critics argue that the campaign focuses on the breast rather than the person.
Link (with video).
I'm 16. I love these bracelets. I lost my mom when I was 14 to breast cancer. And you are sadly mistaken if you believe that middle school and high school students don't care, because in my middle school years and high school years while going through the grieving process EVERYONE was empathetic and understanding. Now two years later these bracelets start popping up everywhere and they are a wonderful opportunity to open the eyes of the high school students who don't have someone near them affected by this pressing issue. Think of it this way, (and this happened to me) a guy sees a girl wearing an 'I (heart) boobies' band and strikes up a conversation, "Why are you wearing that? You're a girl." "Oh, well, I'm wearing it because I support breast health and awareness. It's from a non-profit organization that hopes to open the eyes of teenagers to promote breast cancer awareness and research."
It irritates me that there are so many adults on this site who are talking down on teenagers for standing for something so... noble. What exactly is the world coming to? My dad and I have talked about it. In my opinion, (as well as his) America needs to decide. Do you want your teenagers being lazy and standing for nothing other than video games, parties, avoiding parents, skipping out on homework as often as possible, keeping up with the latest fad, ect. , or do you want them to do something greater? You can't have your cake and eat it, too. Teenagers are constantly chastised for... well, being teenagers. For being between the ages 13 and 19.
So, all I have to say, TO EVERY TEENAGER OUT THERE WHO OWNS AN 'I LOVE BOOBIES' BRACELET, is thank you so very much for supporting a cause such as breast cancer. Keep wearing your bracelets and standing strong for something you believe in.
OH! And PS,@MadMolecule,
Want prostate cancer awareness? Go to a Relay for Life. They support all cancer. Not only breast cancer. Yes, it seems as if Breast Cancer gets more publicity than others, but I don't think that's because of the provocative side to a "breast". Look how common breast cancer is. Yes, lung cancer is the top killer and they don't get much publicity, but what's the top cause of lung cancer? Tobacco use. What's the top cause of breast cancer? uhhhh....?
It offends me that people want these bracelets banned from school. If they were banned from my school, I'd fight it. I'd wear it everyday. You're teaching kids that it's wrong to promote what they believe in. And I've heard from countless adults, "Why is it THIS that they chose to believe in?" So, I wonder why does that even matter? They're promoting a GOOD cause. And not all of us teenagers are attention thirtsy. Some of us really care.