Can you tell me why people honor their loved ones by wearing cancer ribbons?

Question

Ok this might seem weird but it occurred to me today that it is really morbid to wear say, breast cancer ribbons on everything you have to honor someone you lost to breast cancer. I'm not trying to offend anyone that has lost a loved one, just hear me out:

If your mom got shot, would you wear a shirt with a big gun on it? 
If your grandpa died in his sleep, would you tattoo Zzz's all over your arm?
If your spouse died of a heart attack would you wear McDonald's logos on all your clothes?

No, you wouldn't, it seems ridiculous does it not?

Why isn't it ridiculous to wear/tattoo something that represents cancer then? Isn't it a little strange to honor the disease/cause of death instead of the person? 

Again, I'm not trying to be offensive. I am just wondering why people feel a need to do this.

Craftylass · Accepted Answer

I agree!  My mother died of breast cancer in 1989.  The "pink ribbon" started in 1990, so at first, I jumped on the bandwagon, thinking that pink ribbons would bring about more awareness. 

And to a degree, they did.  However, the pink ribbon machine is out of control!  I got rid of my pink ribbon products a long time ago and I won't have anything to do with them.  When I tell people about my mom, I tell them about her love of God and her love of reading.  I mention that she died of breast cancer, but I don't focus on that. 

Now, I have breast cancer as well.  While my current actions are directed by cancer, my life is NOT defined by cancer.  I refuse to wear a pink ribbon and I've directed everyone who knows me to never send me anything related to the pink ribbon movement. 

The Breast Cancer Action group has phrased things well:  Think Before You Pink!  For more information, please see:  thinkbeforeyoupink.org

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Can you tell me why people honor their loved ones by wearing cancer ribbons?

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