Don't Ban the Bracelets!

There is an article I came by on one of my favorite blogs that was written by a twelve year old about the popular "I <3 Boobies" Bracelets.
Click HERE to read it.
This is my response.

I think Mikaela’s attitude towards these bracelets is awesome. Im a teenager and the fact of the matter is I don’t have tons of money to donate to different causes. I’ve been planning to buy this bracelet the next time I saw it for a while now. The way I see it, I get to kill two birds with one stone. Im going to donate money and get a cute bracelet out of it. Now this bracelet is a way of reaching key demographics that other campaigns won’t. Most teenage boys aren’t going to wear pink ribbons, and unless someone in there family is affected they probably wouldn’t know how to go about donating. Sure they might giggle because they are wearing something that says “Boobies” but if that starts a trend getting other kids to buy these bracelets, isn’t it worth it?
I think it’s important to wear these bracelets in school for multiple reasons. One, Activism is not something that is taught in most schools or even by most parents and if it is kids aren’t encouraged the way they should be. To find something you believe in that is affects people you love and fight for it is something important we all should learn.
Two, regarding “boobies” being an inappropriate word for school, I think it’s all about context. We name other body parts in school when we need to learn about them. We read words in classic literature that aren’t otherwise allowed. This has to do with charity! How can a school NOT support that?
Another thing that many people don’t understand is that just because we are all aware that Breast Cancer exists, doesn’t mean that we know a lot about it.(especially kids!) These types of campaigns help that transition. Knowledge is power and the more diverse the knowledge we teach children, the more well rounded they will be. Awareness isn’t just about knowing it heists but being aware of the threats and being aware of ways you can prevent it. Important stuff right there.
School is a place where you should feel comfortable. Teachers are meant to be mentors; people that you can go to when you can’t go to friends or family. I know that If i needed help dealing the stress of someone I know having breast cancer I would be much more likely to go to a teacher who allows these bracelets than one that doesn’t. To me it represents that this person is open about their beliefs and is willing to help those in need and that is the kind of person I want to talk to.
If you are a teacher who has ban these bracelets, I would highly recommend reconsidering your decision. You can have rules, but limit them to not making jokes regarding the bracelets or if the disrupt your teaching, then warn the class. But as a kid myself, I am asking you to give us a chance first. And if we do make a fuss about it, it might just be our way of saying we want to know more.
As far as women getting offended, it would’t offend me. I love my body and I want to take care of it. That’s basically what this is trying to say. And in reality, choosing a controversial slogan is GREAT marketing.
That was all just my way of saying: I LOVE BOOBIES!