CAT-ASTROPHIC: No ‘Boobies’ for You

With this generation’s shortened attention span, the only things that effectively catch our interest are shiny things and sex. So it shouldn’t be a big surprise that the Keep a Breast Foundation, which raises money and awareness for breast cancer, strayed from the conservative path of pink ribbons and decided to print, in large font, “I heart boobies” on bracelets. Keep a Breast states that their provocative slogan is supposed to stimulate conversation about breast cancer.
Unfortunately, the bracelets have raised more controversy than concern for breast cancer. In many high schools, administrators banned or requested that students remove the bracelets because they may be “interpreted as disrespectful towards women.” Other administrators fear that students are too immature to wear the bracelets, and that students will have sexually harassing conversations.
These concerns are legitimate to some extent. Before a student or faculty member realizes the intent of the bracelets, they may be offended. These administrators were trying to avoid incidents and complaints. And though we like to assume the best of people, chances are that some students aren’t just supporting a cause, but pushing the limits of propriety in schools. After all, it’s not entirely necessary to wear accessories emblazoned with “BOOBIES” just to spread awareness.
Yet this also brings up questions about the First Amendment right of free speech. In Tinker v. Des Moines, a case over whether a school could restrict the right of students to wear armbands protesting the Vietnam War, the court ruled that the school could only do this if it was disrupting education.
I doubt that the “boobies” bracelets cause many disciplinary problems at school. However, students should use mature judgment in choosing to wear the bracelets. Though the cause is noble, the thought and intention are stained when your teacher thinks you heart her boobies.

Catherine Chiang,
Opinions Editor