Online presence can lead to jobs

By Natalie Crawford Staff Writer

also prohibiting them from being worn. Although some schools don’t ban them completely, they do allow the bracelets to be worn inside out.

The fact that this is even an issue is absolutely absurd. My aunt was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was 10 years old. I know that if these bracelets were around when my aunt discovered her illness, that bracelet would have been glued to my wrist.

What ever happened to freedom of speech? Although these bracelets have become a fad and are trendy, they are also sending a loud message to the world: awareness. Being aware in itself can help save lives.

My little cousin owns a $4 “I Love Boobies!” bracelet and I’ll be honest, the first time I saw them I was taken aback. I thought to myself, “okay, that’s a little unnecessary.” But, then I realized that this speaks to the younger population. It’s something they can relate to rather than a pink breast cancer ribbon, because it comes in cute colors, has a heart graphic and also says the word “boobies.”

Despite the fact that some may feel that the word “boobies” is offensive, it’s a slang for breasts, which is exactly the point. Teens use slang all the time through Facebook, instant messenger and text messaging. Hell, I use slang sometimes too, so of course it relates to the target market.

Girls as young as 10 years old have been diagnosed with breast cancer and the young boys and girls who are wearing these bracelets are their friends.

The grandmother of the Castro brothers friend lost a battle to breast cancer and he wears his bracelet because of her death. He feels that it represents the strength that his friend has.

Although I am not a young teen, I still stand behind the right to wearing this bracelet. I have personally been through a war against breast cancer more than once and I think I reserve the right to rock a piece of jewelry.

For me, wearing the bracelet stands for hope that one day breast cancer will end and that no one else will have to expe- rience what I have. I have lost my aunt, my grandmother has breast cancer and my aunt was recently diagnosed this past summer. rr724@cabrini

Combining style and charity, the bracelets proceeds go to cancer research and they come in a variety of colors to attract young consumers.

I agree that shirts that say “Spear Britney” and “FCUK Me” shouldn’t be allowed in school, along with clothing that has alcoholic beverage logos. But, for something that is profound, brings comfort and is worn proudly, why take that away? Maybe some wear them because they want to fit in among their peers but I’d say nine times out of 10 whoever purchases this bracelet wears it for personal reasons.

Whether or not breast cancer takes lives it still affects the person it’s attacking. I know from first-hand experience that when my aunt was fighting her nineyear battle with breast cancer, not only was her health affected but so were her husband and children; they had to fight the battle with her.

So, if you or someone you know has or is fighting breast cancer, keep your head up and your faith strong. Raise your wrist high and proud, rockin’ that “I Love Boobies!” bracelet because even if they take away your right to wear them, they can’t take away your hope.

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