Reaction to PINK RIBBONS, INC. has been predictably forceful.  Cancer is a fact in everyone’s life, whether we have it ourselves or are pitching in to help someone else. It is a health crisis that cuts across every demographic; rich, poor, old, young, male, femaie and has no respect for religious or political beliefs either. It is such an overwhelming health crisis that the thought of finding one thing that would be a simple, rewarding and effective act is a necessity. The idea that one can simply make a small sacrifice and get a big reward is too good to be true – this has always been the case but we never want to believe it.

PINK RIBBONS, INC. is based on Dr. Samantha King’s book PINK RIBBONS INC: Breast Cancer and the Politics of Philanthropy.

The documentary is extremely well researched from grassroots campaigner Charlotte Haley, creator of the Pink Ribbon symbol, to the companies in the hot seat, includingAstra Zeneca, L’Oreal, Estée Lauder, Skin Deep, Revlon, Avon, Yoplait. It references Barbara Brenner, Susan G. Komen founder of the Cure Foundation, author Barbara Ehrenreich, Austin Stage IV breast cancer support group, Ivy League and drugs such as tamoxifen and atrozine (banned in Europe).

Moira Romano

Photos and trailer courtesy of NFB.