Posted on 03/16/2005 4:37:27 AM PST by Lokibob
Rubber bracelets started as a way to support cancer research and have since become a full-fledged fashion trend.
From the original yellow Lance Armstrong bracelets to bracelets in a multitude of colors, the rubber bracelets now support everything from tsunami relief (teal) to American troops (green).
There are the pink bracelets that support breast cancer, Michigan bracelets in blue that donate proceeds to the new Mott's Children's Hospital and blue Pistons bracelets that donate money to the Read to Achieve program.
Some bracelets don't support anything at all and are simply available for people to add to their collection, such as the Nike bracelets and "inspirational" ones that say Dream or Wish.
We've honestly seen people with bands all the way up to their elbows, for what purpose?
Since the popularity of these bracelets has grown so much some of the meaning behind them has been lost. Once a cause for charity, the yellow Livestrong bracelets could only be found in limited athletic stores for a dollar. The only people seen wearing them were die-hard bikers along the mountain bike trails at Island Lake Park.
Having become the new must-have accessory, these bracelets are now on back order everywhere and go for a minimum of three dollars to a private seller on Ebay.
A lot of times, you can only buy the bands in sets of ten. You can't buy just one which further spreads the insanity of this trend because you can pass them out to all of your friends.
That means that there are nine other people sporting Livestrong on their wrist that wouldn't do so normally.
The idea behind this latest trend was great-it helped raise money for an important cause. Now we feel that this empire has gotten a bit out of hand.
You shouldn't buy and wear a band like this just because everyone else does-you should do it because you truly support the cause.
I don't feel guilty about it, but wonder how freepers feel. I'm certainly not getting rich with these bands (selling them for $1.25 each), just wanting to help the troops.
Any thoughts???
Oh the humanity! Talk about a tempest in a teapot, these folks at the Michigan Journal are too crumudgeonly, even for cranky old me.
At least these rubber bracelets won't turn your wrist green!
I didn't know any bracelets were substituting now for the old tired ribbon thingie.
I think it's all rather gauche.
When Rush briefly had his TV show a decade ago, 1 time he sported a long clip with some 10 ribbons on it. Then he told us he was better than (we) since he had the ribbons. He supported things and we obviously didn't. He was special, and since we didn't have ribbons or not as many, we were beneath him.
If you're really into selfless charity, you're not going to show it so every1 can praise you. Now, of course, some things are OK - maybe you want to spread the word about some charity so others will contribute (note: a mere color doesn't tell any1 exactly how to help, or even what you're supporting). But even shoving it in every1's face is kind of "rude", for lack of a better term, esp w/the implication that you are better.
It's hard to describe.
And besides all that, the article is pretty much correct.
"As far as Rush goes, I have a feelings that his ribbon fiasco was just some form of a farce. An outlandish attempt at left-sided humor."
Oh it was. He was trying to show (what I think) is the understated arrogance and superiority of those who have to always wear some ribbon. It was indeed all sarcastic tongue-in-cheek.
What are you doing with the money? Are you "supporting the troops" or are you supporting yourself?
Your answer will tell you what you need to know.
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