Yuvraj Singh’s non-profit organization, YouWeCan Foundation, has recently come under fire for a breast cancer awareness advertisement that referred to breasts as "oranges." The ad sparked outrage on social media, leading to its removal from the NGO’s platforms.
Key Takeaways
- The ad’s tagline, "Check your oranges once a month," was deemed insensitive.
- Criticism came from various social media users, including journalists.
- The NGO defended its choice, stating it aimed to break the silence around breast cancer.
The Controversy Unfolds
The controversy began when a woman shared a photo of the ad on social media after spotting it in the Delhi Metro. The tagline, "Check your oranges once a month," raised eyebrows and prompted questions about the appropriateness of using the term "oranges" to refer to breasts. Many users expressed their discontent, labeling the ad as embarrassing and insensitive.
Public Reaction
Senior journalist Rituparna Chatterjee voiced her concerns on LinkedIn, stating, "Check your breasts, not oranges, for lumps." She emphasized the importance of using correct terminology when discussing health issues, particularly breast cancer. Chatterjee argued that avoiding the word "breast" hinders open dialogue and awareness.
NGO’s Response
In light of the backlash, YouWeCan Foundation issued a statement thanking Chatterjee for her feedback. They acknowledged the difficulty in discussing breast cancer openly and explained that the use of "oranges" was a deliberate choice aimed at sparking conversation. The NGO stated:
- "At YouWeCan, we know firsthand how difficult it is to get people to talk openly about breast cancer."
- They described the campaign as a "bold choice" that was carefully considered to encourage dialogue.
Despite the criticism, the NGO claimed that the campaign had already achieved significant success in engaging people and promoting discussions about early detection of breast cancer.
The Aftermath
Following the uproar, YouWeCan Foundation deleted the controversial ad from its official Instagram page. The organization has yet to provide further comments on the matter, but the incident has ignited a broader conversation about the language used in health awareness campaigns.
Conclusion
The backlash against YouWeCan Foundation’s ad highlights the sensitivity surrounding discussions of breast cancer and the importance of using appropriate language. As organizations strive to raise awareness, they must also consider the impact of their messaging on the public. This incident serves as a reminder of the fine line between creativity and insensitivity in health campaigns.
Sources
- Yuvraj Singh’s NGO deletes ad referring to breasts as ‘oranges’ amid backlash | Trending – Hindustan Times, Hindustan Times.
