Painting the Capitol Pink: The Breast Cancer Research Stamp and the Dangers of Congressional Cause Marketing
General Material Designation
[Article]
First Statement of Responsibility
Markham Cameron, Julia
SUMMARY OR ABSTRACT
Text of Note
Breast cancer awareness campaigns-widespread, largescale efforts focusing on general "awareness" of the breast cancer, rather than the dissemination of information on detection and treatment-are common sights in the American public and private spheres. From NFL players donning pink socks to crafters selling "I love boobies!" t-shirts online, breast cancer-branded events and products have become an essential marketing tool to reach women, signal corporate virtue in a palatable, nonaggressive manner. Even the federal government is party to the trend: in 1998, the U.S. Congress authorized the sale of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp (BCRS) by the U.S. Postal Service to raise awareness and research funds for breast cancer. The BCRS has been available ever since.