Breast Cancer Action / Komen
by bobbyg
After going through Susan G Komen and the Breast Cancer Action website there are some notable differences and similarities in the approach as well as the structure and design of both websites. My first impressions were that the Breast Cancer Action has a ‘serious tone’ with its monotone red and grey colours and the structured layout. First thing I noticed was the “health justice for all” on the front page, and how BREAST CANCER ACTION is bolded with emphasis on ‘action’. Susan G Komen’s website is structured with a more ‘nurturing’ atmosphere with pink and white colours. Komen’s webpage also contains images with breast cancer survivors on the front page. Both websites have their upcoming events, interestingly the Breast Cancer Action website calls it a ‘strategic plan’ while Susan G Komen’s has it as ‘the latest’. Right away it is obvious that these two websites which are addressing very similar issues have taken different approaches on presentation.
After browsing through the Breast Cancer Action website, I noticed that there is much critique on the ‘pink ribbon awareness’. Slogans such as ‘think before you pink’ and reminders of ‘slick corporate profiteering’ is apparent on the Action website. Their approach reminds its audience of the marketing culture of breast cancer and how we as viewers can avoid the corporate outlook on treating breast cancer. Another interesting approach was relating breast cancer with social inequality and social justice; the action website provides factsheets and webinars on breast cancer and inequalities. This website does emphasis on how individuals can take action with education resources and volunteer opportunities.
Komen’s website has notable differences in addressing breast cancer, as it takes on a more healing approach. This website emphasises on the ‘breast cancer journey’ by providing personal stories, assistance, support throughout the stages of breast cancer. Interestingly Komen’s website also has clothing brand apparel for people to shop online. Komen’s website also has the option of corporate partnership along with volunteering and donating options.
Hi Bobby,
You made some great observations here. I especially admire what you said about The BCAction website promoting outright change, while the Komen website prefers to update its visitors on the latest news in the present. Do you think this might be because the issues the BCAction website is attempting to conquer (eg. social inequality, misrepresentation of gender identity, and cancer as a ‘market’) are very much active on the Komen webpage? In other words, the Komen website- with its promotion of the “think pink” campaign; its representation of only financially-stable women; and its failure to acknowledge individuals who self-identify outside the traditional gender binaries- is the epitome of many of the issues the BCAction website wishes to address. The Komen website seems content with the Breast-Cancer narrative, while the BCAction considers it flawed. I might have to agree with the latter.
I appreciate your attention to both text and design in your posting. I had not read it in quite that way and the post helped me to think differently.