Pinkwashing in the NFL

The NFL has recently received flack for employing to much pink during breast cancer awareness month. At the start of October every year the NFL distributes pink colored gear to teams in order to promote breast cancer awareness. This year was the first time they changed the penalty flag color to pink rather than the traditional yellow. Fans were confused about whether or not their team had been penalized or if a players towel which was also pink had fell on the ground. This dilemma resulted in the decision to change the flag color back to yellow in the upcoming week. Not only are the flags and towels pink but so are the yard markers, players cleats, gloves and bands. Some fans are criticizing the NFL for "pinkwashing." People feel as if the NFL uses the month of October as a revenue booster more so than a month to create awareness. Some cancer survivors feel as if the NFL could focus on other ways to promote breast cancer awareness. Most people buy pink paraphernalia as a way to support breast cancer when they could be donating money to more serious cancer charities. Breast cancer awareness month has turned into an excuse to wear pink and add new flavor to our wardrobes. I'll be keeping an eye out on the NFL and seeing if they address the negative comments they are receiving from fans. If they do not it could make them look bad as an organization and could lose support regardless if it is a significant amount.