In reaction to Senator Kiko Pangilinan's remark expressing openness to engage with breast cancer activists who were apparently offended by the usage of the advocacy's color pink in their campaign, British national and Pinoy-at-heart Malcolm Conlan wrote an open letter.
Conlan advised in the open letter to Pangilinan's camp that a change of color is the way ahead rather than engaging in a discussion with a brain cancer awareness group that was apparently offended by the issue of color appropriation.
For starters, many Filipinos may be hesitant to purchase or wear a pink ribbon in public for fear of being labeled as a 'pinklawan,' a term as a result of your usage of the ribbon.
Second, their usage of the breast cancer awareness campaign color may eventually harm or jeopardize the group's fundraising efforts.
You may now read Conlan's original open letter below.
Senate of the Philippines
Dear sir,
Hope you and your family are well. I actually saw you when I visited the Senate last year, but didn’t get the chance to say hello and greet you. Sayang.
I am writing to you however following your appeal to the Filipino public or at least those who may have been offended by the use of the Pink Ribbon by Madam VP Leni and your team, which of course you and your colleagues are very well aware has become a global iconic symbol connected with Breast Cancer awareness and fundraising.
Sorry to say sir, but I believe the damage may have already been done. I have no doubt there are many who support you and your political intentions and that of VP Leni to run for office, but I also believe there are a fair few, most likely more in fact, who will always now associate the pink ribbon with your cause.
I have no doubt that there will be many Filipinos who maybe think twice before buying a pink ribbon or even wearing one publicly for fear of being labelled as a ‘pinklawan’ a term which has basically come out of your use of the said ribbon.
Rather than inviting people to sit down with you and discuss, with the greatest respect, from what I have seen on social media, there is already a storm brewing over your use of the Pink Ribbon with political motives in mind and I believe it may be better to chose another coloured ribbon, just in case even one Filipino hesitates to either purchase or wear a pink ribbon in public, ultimately damaging or compromising fundraising efforts of the cause.
With respect sir,
Best regards
Malcolm Conlan
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