Three letters are listed below. I was going to respond to the first one but my beloved colleague in life, Shannon Kehoe, beat me to it. Her letter embodies everything that went through my head when I read the first letter so I won't go repeating what has already been said. I've also included a great one from the Titz 'n Glitz coordinator.Keep in mind in reading all letters that Nuts4Ribs brought in 1,500 people and raised over $23,000 in support of research to fight testicular cancer - and this is just its first year! Really organizers, I'm blown away. For a recap of the fantastic event, click here or simply do a google search to bring up the many articles that this event earned for its amazing efforts. Sorry Clarke, but I think you're on your own here.
Remember everyone, the world is changing out there and we need to change the way we look, talk and think about cancer. Stay aware, stay informed and stay healthy! Make sure to check out and support both great causes.
I found Titz n’ Glitz offensive. Now I have to deal with Nuts4Ribs. Having been a health care social worker before retirement, I feel that cancer is demeaning enough to the body and the person, causing such effects as weakness, pain and sometimes the need for a great deal of intense, stressful medical care. Let’s not belittle that further by giving cancer fundraising campaigns such cutsie, inane and, to some people including yours truly, offensive titles.
One can try to be a bit less serious about quite burdensome matters, at times, but this seems to border on the ridiculous. This comes from one who in no way considers himself a Puritan.
How is it that such words as "tits" and "nuts" can be thrown around by adults, but it’s considered "off base" when children mimic parents and use such terms? There seems to be an issue of mixed messages herein.
There’s usually a public outcry when the topic of proper sex education at school arises. There needs to be an outcry in our community, now, to curb these outrageously named campaigns. If people are offended by the name, why would they give money or credence to otherwise worthwhile causes?
Clarke McKenzie, Dartmouth
Re: Clarke McKenzie’s Aug. 27 letter "Offensive terms." As an attendee of Nuts4Ribs, I would like to say that there was nothing inane about the testicular cancer event or its name.
Society has deemed human reproductive organs taboo. Many people are uncomfortable discussing testicular, ovarian or breast cancers. Sadly, that taboo can cause embarrassment to people afflicted with those cancers.
The purpose of Nuts4Ribs was to draw attention to a low-profile disease and to start conversations among men and their families; testicular cancer is the No. 1 cancer killer of men in their 20s and 30s.
Cancer is not a laughing matter. Please, though, consider this: A fundraiser about cancer is not a hard thing to market. But one about testicular cancer? That’s a little more difficult. The name Nuts4Ribs makes a sensitive topic easier to discuss, while targeting those young men most at risk.
Taboos may halt open dialogues, but they do not slow the rate at which testicular cancer affects men. There needs to be an outcry in our community, now, to curb the ignorance and fear that surrounds low-profile diseases.
As for Mr. McKenzie, I would like to personally invite him to next year’s Nuts4Ribs. Perhaps by attending the event, and enjoying a plate of ribs, courtesy of yours truly, he will be able to see the excitement and empowerment that Nuts4Ribs bestowed upon the attending men, healthy and cancer survivors alike.
Shannon Kehoe, Communications Chair,
Nuts4Ribs
Being the Titz ’n Glitz Chair for the past three years, I felt I must respond to Clarke McKenzie’s view regarding the name of our event ("Offensive terms," Aug. 27 letter).
Titz ’n Glitz is celebrated among breast cancer patients as an avenue for release and a source of financial help. Twelve years ago, breast cancer patients were asked what they thought of the name Titz ’n Glitz. It was empowering and they loved it! A Titz ’n Glitz event is something to look forward to… a celebration of women, to remember the loss of a loved one, to laugh or cry and have a great time, even if only for a few hours. We bring levity to a stressful time while also providing funding for everyday needs.
Titz ’n Glitz has distributed over $700,000 through our society "On The Front Line" to breast cancer patients across Nova Scotia. It’s odd how no one expresses outrage at the references that are used daily to describe women and their body parts. Instead, Titz ’n Glitz supporters have embraced one of these expressions, making a powerful statement! We are very serious about what we do and most people "get it."
Laughter has always been the best medicine. Come to a Titz ’n Glitz event and you’ll see what I mean. (Sorry, no fellows allowed!)
Christina Fisher, Event Chair 2007,
Titz ’n Glitz
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3 comments:
Both names are ridiculous and should be changed immediately. How can we tell kids not to talk like this when adult events are marketed this way?
Is this the only way to draw attention to cancer fundraisers? How sad.
Are you serious? I know the terms aren't exactly politically correct, but it's definitely directed towards the younger generation, the next generation that needs education on such matters as cancer. And, yes, cancer is a life altering experience that involves pain, weakness, and intense medical care, but optimism is as much needed as laughter is when dealing with illnesses and if those around patients view the outcome to be depressing who are the patients going to get their light-hearted hope from?
Furthermore, until the gentle touch of massage is regularly incorporated in an otherwise painful-touch oriented treatment, I tend to question the sincerity of understanding how much pain the patient is suffering. I think the need for such gentle touch is a much more pressing need to fight for regarding cancer patients rather than trying to bring down titles of obviously successful educating and fundraising events.
Donna: AMEN.
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