The Hypersexualization of Breast Health & Breast Cancer ? Feminist ...

Have you noticed that breast cancer is highly sexualized? Have you noticed that products, including those that cause cancer, are pink-washed up the wazoo and don?t even contribute a significant amount of its profits to cancer research or

prevention education?? Don?t get me wrong, I am in support of raising awareness about cancer prevention and detection, but that which surrounds breast cancer has crossed the line into capitalistic objectification of women?s breasts.? Now I also can?t help but consider the droves of product sales that benefit the anti-choice, Planned Parenthood-defunding Susan G. Komen Foundation.

I recently came across this YouTube video about an app that enables women to have ?hot men? remind them to perform self breast exams and provide instruction on how to do so.

This is an interesting gender reversal of the sexualization surrounding breast cancer, but disturbs me no differently.? You may have also noticed that it brings heteronormativity to the forefront of breast cancer detection.? To me, this video and app subtly, or not so subtly, encourage women to hand over at least part of agency and initiative to maintain healthy breasts to men.? And stereotypically masculine, straight men at that.? Do gay women not also suffer from breast cancer?? The fact that men can also develop breast cancer seems to remain fairly invisible, but I guess their breast tissue just isn?t as sexy as women?s.

Part of dating as a feminist and self-love is maintaining one?s sexual and overall health.? Mainstream breast cancer prevention and detection education is steeped in the desire to appeal to the heart and mind of sexist culture?and it?s working.? How many teenage boys have you seen sporting ?I love boobies? breast cancer awareness bracelets?? Exactly.

So as feminists with or without breasts, keep your eyes peeled for pink-washing and don?t buy into it if you can help it.? And develop a habit of giving yourself breast exams, even if you?re male, with a reminder system that empowers you to maintain agency over your physical health and well being.? Femin-ITS seem to do the trick for me.

Like this:

Be the first to like this post.

zuccotti park leymah gbowee ows kindle fire review community matt schaub