Brave The Shave - NOT IN MY NAME

[TwitterQueen1]

I know IANBU but posting here for traffic.

I see Macmillan is now advertising BTS on tv. It doesn't seem to matter how many of us protest that the whole campaign:

• is extremely offensive and upsetting
• trivialises and minimises the effects of chemo
• claims that it makes people understand what it's like to have cancer

Would you paint black and bruises on your face to 'show support' for victims of DV?

Would you tie one leg behind your back and hop around town to 'show support' for those with disabilities?

• Do you know that Macmillan are asking those who've done BTS is "How are enjoying your new look?" or even worse - "Hope you're enjoying your new look!" WT actual Fuck. I mean, us cancer patients absolutely ADORE losing all our hair and feeling like total shit for months.... and random healthy strangers indulging in narcissistic, attention-grabbing stunts makes us feel even better.

And (in response to my complaint) these offensive statements apparently fall within Macmillan's social media guidelines'?

Bathe in baked beans, run marathons, walk a mile, hold coffee mornings.... do ANYTHING ELSE, but don't pretend for a second that shaving your head helps you understand how cancer patients feel. You have absolutely no idea at all. None.

lakehouse when a campaign is offending the people it says it is helping, how can that be a good thing?

Offends some of us...others are grateful for the help received by Macmillan and understand the message of the campaign. My point wasn't that everyone had to like it/not be offended by it. My point was I think it is a waste of energy to try and sabotage the fundraising by berating people in the street and sending poisonous missives on social media. As a survivor I am grateful for every day and for every person who does anything to fundraise for the many causes that surround this disease. I think with any days any of us have left we are better putting energy into love and encouragement for those doing what most can't be bothered to. My point of view, that's all. But something positive has come from this thread as the campaign now has more profile and further donations so well done everyone.

I actually think the nature of those ads must put patients off wanting anything to do with Macmillan nurses. How can you expect someone to be gentle and supportive when all you have seen and heard is highly graphic shots of the worst parts of cancer, and shaved heads?

That funding should go to cancer units and put people on the ground.

@onetimeposter Macmillan nurses do a phenomenal job. @AuntieStella one time's post is an example of where people in this thread are against people not advertising

I really dislike this campaign. I think it's the wrong message entirely and I completely agree with you op.

Another HCP with Macmillan in the job title here.

I’m absolutely with you OP. When the campaign was announced I was appalled and I still am.

@Lakehouse
Bore off and find some joy in life
I'd love to, but I'm dying of cancer so it's a bit difficult to find that joy right now.

@Lakehouse
berating people in the street and sending poisonous missives on social media
I haven't done either of these things. I am entitled to an opinion and I'm entitled to express it. You should be ashamed of yourself for your deeply unpleasant and unnecessary comments.

FFS Lakehouse TQ isn't 'spreading hate' - she is rightly pointing out the way in which this 'campaign' has been received by those living with/dying from cancer. That it can be seen as superficial and shallow, not reflecting the real experiences of those it intends to help. Shaving your head gives no more of an insight into living with cancer than if I claimed spending a day hopping was reflective of the experiences of amputees.

Lakehouse - actually, TQ spends quite a bit of her time supporting MNetters who have cancer/are awaiting test results. I directed a poster to a thread TQ regularly posts on and, sure enough, TQ stepped up and offered advice.

And I don't know why you're targetting TQ when the majority of people on this thread agree with her.

lakehouse how bloody insensitive and patronizing to boot

TwitterQueen

Having read this full thread again, I can see what TwitterQueen is saying. I never thought more deeply about it other than it was a way to raise money. But the more I think about it, I can see how patronising and insulting it must be for many cancer patients. It never occurred to me before. I have had several relatives die of cancer and I am glad I've come across this thread. I will speak out whenever the topic/campaign comes up in Australia. I'll probably get flack but I do see now how insulting, patronising and offensive it is.

What is BTS.

This post has been really informative. Thank you.

I am a BC survivor. I was bald for a long 16mths. I HATE HATE the stupid shave charity fundraising. The only people I know personally who have done it were incredibly "look at me!" in their attitudes, yes 'rocking' a number 1 and dying it rainbow colours. There is nothing 'brave' about shaving your hair.

As for telling someone with terminal cancer to "find the joy in life"??? Words fail me, disgusting.

I also think this is an awful campaign. I wear my hair closely cropped and know that shaving your head is not a difficult thing to do - when you know it will grow back.

I am also dismayed by the coffee mornings. I know this might be controversial, but I don't think cancer charities should be linking their work with unhealthy eating. Sugar is linked to cell growth in some cancers and poor diets can be a cause. it feels a little to me like saying "Have a cigarette break to fight cancer".

Not only that, but people with cancer lose their appetite, feel sick and lose weight. People eating cakes might not be all that appropriate.

As many have said - if a campaign came along that said "we are not asking you to do anything, just give money". I would support it much more. Lose the gimmicks.

Havent had time to read 13 pages, but I thought it was about donating hair for wigs?

There is nothing wrong with eating cake and anything else as long as it is in moderation. Nine years in from diagnosis I still eat sugar and love cake I just don't eat every day. The comparison to smoking is ridiculous.

Forgot to say I lost so much weight after chemo when I was able to eat around a week after each session I ate so much sugary food to put weight on it was comfort food too.

Eating cake and drinking coffee never hurt anyone in normal moderate amounts.
It's the copying the one side effect of chemo in a very dumbed down way with a whole load of look at me that me and many others find objectionable.