Dunkin Donuts paints Asbury Park pink . Blogfinger photo May 10, 2014
These pink banners in Asbury Park create a striking image. But unlike our Pink Grove banners, these actually explain what they are about——coffee!
Our pink banners that greet most people who come into the Grove explain nothing. They must seem like a mystery to any of those who drive by and wonder why our town has changed its name. Supposedly those banners and bows have something to do with breast cancer awareness, but the B word and the C word are nowhere to be seen.
Do they really think that women driving by will understand the message? I bet most of those drive-by women are already well aware that breast cancer exists, but for the few who might need to be aware, how are our banners supposed to clue them in?
At least, when we drive by Dunkin’ Donuts and we see the pinkification, we know what to do—–get coffee.
If Meridian wants to help promote breast cancer awareness in our area, they should send a small army of trained field workers to go into marginal neighborhoods, knock on doors, and find out which women need their help. They could also do it in the Grove. And when they actually implement a plan to improve healthcare in the Grove, I will post it if they send us the information and take down the useless pink banners.
—-Paul Goldfinger, MD Editor @Blogfinger
All that being said, when is all this pink coming down because it’s starting to get a little shabby. And just when the pink stripe was beginning to fade on Main Ave a new one was painted. So we’re stuck,with it for another year. And who authorized all this being displayed on OG grounds in the first place?
The Paint the Town Pink mission is to remind women to get their annual mammograms, not to promote breast cancer awareness. Although this is a Meridian Health sponsored initiative, town residents volunteer and are responsible for decorating their respective neighborhoods/businesses.
As someone who personally volunteers, I can say that it is a wonderful initiative and the message that it delivers is crucial in helping women understand the importance of an annual mammogram.
I can say the pink banners create curiosity and when people are curious they ask questions and research. This is a great community effort which is sending a positive message.
You state: “Do they really think that women driving by will understand the message?”
Yes I do and there is no explanation needed.
The pink ribbon is an international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink ribbons, and the color pink in general, identify the wearer or promoter with the breast cancer brand and express moral support for women with breast cancer.