Small Strokes Big Oaks

A few weeks ago, my first official post as a senior editor at Gender Across Borders appeared.  I wrote about Shame and Breast Cancer in Saudi Arabia, inspired by an article on the Ms. Magazine Blog.  I wrote the post hoping to start a discussion on the “pink” rhetoric in the United States and, while some find it a sexist, sometimes objectifying marketing ploy, how the explosion of pink in the United States has helped create awareness that has helped women overcome shame associated with reproductive organs and get tested early, therefore increasing the breast cancer survival rate.  My argument was that, perhaps, if more awareness was raised around the world, people all over the world might be more likely to be tested earlier and bring mortality rates for the disease down.

Azra at Muslimah Media Watch brought to my attention that shame about bodies is something that happens regardless of background or birthplace in this response.  Cancer screenings can be awkward and upsetting (not to mention painful) no matter where you are.  Hopefully, Azra is going to be participating in a podcast panel discussion for Gender Across Borders on the issue.  I’m excited to participate in this discussion, and I’ll definitely point you all towards it if/when it airs! 

My post here is just a very quick post because I wanted to bring these articles to your attention and the issue deserves much more consideration and discussion.  If you have any other related articles or studies, please post them in the comments!  But please, do, take a look especially at Azra’s article. 

And, on a related (and self-promoting) note, I only have $65 left before I reach my $1800 goal for the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer!  And it’s a week and a half away!  Donate now, if you can!