The Breast – with special guest: Cultural Encyclopedia of the Breast

On By ResaIn Breast Cancer Awareness, Outside the Box Book Reviews

Edited by Merril D. Smith

What better time is there to talk about breasts than breast cancer awareness month?

"Boobs. Boobies. Tits. Hooters. Knockers. Jugs. Breasts. 
We celebrate them; we revile them.
They nourish us; they kill us.
They have fascinated us since prehistoric times."
                                                                                                                          - Merril D. Smith

I got this book from my local library. I was tickled pink that Merril, a 5 aces poet IMHO, whose blog I follow, put this encyclopedia together. As well as the Preface, Acknowledgements, Introduction and Chronology of Selected Breast Events, she wrote 17 of the entries.

Danae – Painting by Artemisia Gentileschi -1612

Renewed thrice, I approached it a few pages at a time whenever I lounged in my favourite chaise.

I learned a lot of big medical words, and the physiological and the psychological lessons on the breast that comes with that. I also gleaned a lot about breasts in terms of cultural history from: Art to Wonderbra, Barbie Dolls to Slaves as Wet Nurses, Eating Disorders to Hollywood, Flappers to Mythology and 137 other entries.

Old sketch of Resa – unsigned

This book enlightens with a societal purview, that runs through the ages. As encyclopedic entries give only a general overview, each entry is followed by extra and more detailed reading available on each topic.

This is not a picture book, so don’t run out and get it because you want to see lots of images of breasts. If that’s the aim, you might as well just grab an issue of Playboy (an entry in the book & reviewed by said magazine), or visit any online site of breast repute.

However, every so often there is a photo insert that helps make a point. One such picture is a black & white detail of Jean Fouquet’s (circa b.1420 – d.1481) painting Virgin and Child from the Melun Diptych.

I was keen to learn from the encyclopedia that the model for this painting was Agnès Sorel, celebrated beauty and mistress of King Charles VII of France.

Having decided to use a representation of this painting: I went online, found hundreds of pics of it, many variations on it and discovered that you can buy prints of this painting at Walmarts.

I’m wondering – Did Mr. Fouquet actually ever look at Agnes’ breasts, or was one of them growing out of an armpit?

It wasn’t always about big boobs

Breasts actually have a purpose. They were not always culturalized primarily as sexual objects, as they are in modern western culture. Here, much money is to be made in the plastic surgery realm, and the trend has spread to non western cultures. Other times and societies have looked at them differently from practical, to fertility symbols and with different eyes on beauty.

Pink Ribbon Campaigns

.. is one of the entries in the encyclopedia. I found this entry eye opening in a way I hadn’t envisioned.

Two things that stood out, in terms of Breast Cancer awareness, are that:

The Pink campaign began with The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, with the ubiquitous Pink Ribbon becoming the official symbol in 1992. Since then support, awareness and survivorship has increased many fold.

Over the last 2 decades, “Pink Ribbon” products have become big business with little oversight, engaging in “Pink Washing”. So please make sure to investigate where your money is going if donating.

AI

Published in 2014, everything still holds true to today. However, due to rapid changes in technology there is one topic not covered in this encyclopedia. That would be AI’s cultural influence on breasts. I’d love to read what Merril would write about that!

This is Emily Pellegrini. She is the most famous AI woman in the world, currently. She has Facebook & TicTok accounts.

Merril D. Smith, PhD, holds a doctorate from Temple University.

She is the author or editor of several books including: Encyclopedia of Rape, Women’s Roles in Eighteenth-century America and Sex and Sexuality in Early America.

In 2020 her book Sexual Harassment was published.

An Equal Opportunity Breasts Rock Video?

All photos except Virgin and Child © Resa McConaghy

177 thoughts on “The Breast – with special guest: Cultural Encyclopedia of the Breast”

  1. Wow! Honestly, I feel like I am Marcello Mastroianni in Federico Fellini’s City of Women!! However, this topic is an important one, and I suppose Breast cancer has become more accessible to heal these days. Well done, dear Resa.🤙🌟🎯💥
    PS: that with Playboy was good!!😂✌

    1. Marcello,

      Thank you!

      Kidding aside, it was more interesting/beyond your average encyclopedia. This book is kind of important.

      History can shed light, as it sheds darkness.

      Yes, breast cancer is in a better place due to early detection and medical advances. Still, a long way to go.

      Thank you for reading, Aladin!

      ❦🌹🌟💓😘

  2. Interesting and intriguing post Resa. Though not a book I would personally read, I cannot deny they have had an influence on my life! Wow, an AI model? Of course, I had to google and check, and you are right – an internet sensation AI model…what world am I living in!

    Kind regards, Jay😊.

    1. Lol,

      Jay you are living in the world of breasts, with AI breasts replacing real ones.

      I jest, but I am also serious. I too was a bit shocked, but not surprised to see that Emily is one of the early creations of human’s foray into AI.

      Now I’m thinking about that 3D printer of yours. Will someone print an Emily?

      Thank you for reading, and for leaving an interesting comment!

      1. I am! It seems Resa, as crazy as that is, but we seems to have reached new levels of crazy at the moment.

        I am printing one as I type! though my Emily will be only 7 inches tall…I am of course joking😊. Yes I think they will Resa, people are now living in virtual worlds, so yes they will, especially if someone can make some money from it.

        You are very welcome! Happy to give my input. Best…Jay😊

  3. M.'s avatar M.

    The AI woman is cute but her breasts are a distraction to me but not in a good way (not a big boob is better kind if guy)

    1. I agree, Emily is cute.

      Yes, her breasts are a distraction. If she was a real human, she would have back problems outta this world. And what about when she got old?

      Thanks for reading, Matt!

  4. The way the society views women’s breasts, is what turned women into, objects, subjecting us to more, sexual harrasments, and, the societies’, zooming in on these natural body parts that we have, only, adds to the, objectifying of, women, and, there’s no way to, uproot this, because, the physiologies of males and females are, always going to be, different, and those, sexist beliefs of long ago, don’t help to change this either, as they are, next-to-impossible to, uproot

    1. Yes, and this book covers all of what you say by taking us step by step though that history, centred around the breast.
      I’m so glad I read it!
      Thank you for your comment!

  5. Thank you so much for this post, Resa! I still can’t believe that you read the entire encyclopedia! (I’ve got more! 🙂 ). I am truly honored that you read it, and that you wrote this post about it. I’m also glad you were able to get the volume through your library. As you mentioned, it was published in 2014, so some of the information is outdated and AI technology was not really a thing. I’m sure it would have been an included topic now.

    1. Merril,

      This is the first encyclopedia I’ve read from start to finish.

      It didn’t start out that way. I thought…oh cool, a Merril book. I would pick it up and read an entry.. randomly.

      After a bit I thought, these topics are all really interesting. So, I started back at the beginning.

      Although in encyclopedia format, it offers much more than A-Z topics on breasts. It is insightful. It creates an empathy in me (sometimes anger or sadness). It useful.

      I thank you for this book, Merril!

      I’m sure I will read one of your other books at some point. I should see if the library system has any others in its collection.

      Yes…AI, and what can I say? Look at the breasts on that woman! What are you doing guys? The poor thing is going to tip over onto her face.

        1. You’re welcome, Merril.
          It’s my pleasure.
          You did great with this book, and when I look at the titles, it’s hard not to be impressed.
          Thank you for calling me a gift! 🧡🍁🤎 – fall hearts – hearts fall

  6. An excellent post, Resa. The kind of justice you do a subject in every way. Bravo actually. And hjat off to Merril for writing this and the other books she’s written x

        1. Yes, women are fabulous.
          Not that men can’t be, but they are so different.
          Women have made some headway in society, but not all over the world (ie Afghanistan) and not in all areas of social reality.
          We’ve been pretty fortunate as the “weaker sex” 🥊 in our modern societies, but there is more work to do.
          xxxxxxxxxxxx

  7. Nice post Resa! lots of things to read…and look at…:) Yes Breast cancer month, even NFL players will wear pink accessories, they do since quite a few years now, I will do more drawings using pink for this month, but I do it already, so will keep going..:D

      1. Yes I could, yes I will…I could even if they are on a layer change color quite easily in a digital sketch…will do like some artists do, offering same image in different colors, almost Warhollike..:D

  8. Hi Resa, I was vaguely aware that Merril had these books but I hadn’t investigated them. Thank you for bringing them to my attention. Your commentary was very funny about that painting. I will make sure if I paint a woman, her boobs are in her armpit. I didn’t know an Azi woman had social media accounts. I wonder how she proved she was human? 😁💜

    2. Same here. Then one day I entered her name into our library system, and up popped this book.
      It’s taken 3 renewals, but little by little I read each intriguing entry.
      It’s not like a novel (although many of the topics could be made into one). It’s not a coffee table book, and although it is technically an encyclopedia, I feel it is its own unique form.
      Merril did a great thing with this book. I will investigate others.
      There is a lot of historical knowledge involved.
      HUGS!

                1. I’m so lucky!
                  “With 100 branches, the Toronto Public Library is the largest public library system in Canada, and the world’s busiest urban library system. Every year, more than 18.5 million people visit its 99 branches and borrow over 32 million items.”

  9. What a wonderful gathering of homework here. This is a cultural harvesting, bringing home what will nourish us. A big finger points, look here. When we’re smart or lucky, we do. But that’s your craft, isn’t it! Thank you for showing us.

    Sorry to be absent for so long. You deserve nothing but appreciation. Neil

    2. Yes, cultural harvesting… great explanation, Neil.
      No worries about absenteeism. We are where we are when we are there.
      Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment!

  10. I love that video because it is such a perfect parody of “Addicted to Love”. And, yeah, “Addicted to Love” was a video very much about breasts….

    Sounds like a very interesting book. The topic is one that has fascinated people since there have been people. I very much wish that our society had a healthier view of breasts. Just think, one of the biggest pop stars completely disappeared and was even pretty much erased from music history because she accidentally showed her breast for 1/10 of a second.

    “Old sketch of Resa” – is that old sketch -by- Resa, not of? Years ago I took a few figure drawing classes. I really liked them. Most of the drawings on this page were from those classes) a couple are using photos as models): https://trentsworld.com/trents-world-home/visual-arts/figure-drawing/

    Anyway, good review of the book.

    1. It’s a cool video, and I thought it appropriate for this post.

      I like the song “Addicted to Love” a lot, and the video was simple and sharp, even with the breasts. Shania’s take is brilliant.

      Interesting…yes, JJ did kind of vanish, now that you mention it.

      The book is enlightening. Even as a liberated (amap) woman, I found myself thinking Really? What? a lot, and experiencing emotion sometimes..like sadness or anger.

      Yes, that is ME “in” the sketch. Ha! The artist did not such a great job drawing my face, but my breast and head wrap are well captured. I was a teenage runaway, winding up in the streets of Vancouver. The artists and musicians took me in. They were inspiring and I was encouraged to follow my artistic path.

      After a couple of years being a popular life model, I saved enough $$ to move to Toronto, set myself up and pay tuition. After that I worked nights as the cover charge person at a popular club. School all day, work all night. I did manage to graduate with honours.

      Trent, your life drawings are fabulous. You are so talented. You have a great eye and feel. I adore your drawings.

      On the subject of creativity, how is your music life?

      Whatever, it’s hard to force creativity… oh sure nudges are needed, but when it’s time, it flows.

      1. Actually, I do like the video to “Addicted to Love”, and agree that Shania’s take is brilliant.
        I read that there were some very influential people that paid huge amounts of money to try to erase JJ’s name from the history of music. She wasn’t my favorite, but she did have (and am sure still has!) a lot of talent and knew how to touch people. Such a huge shame that something so silly destroyed such a legacy. Hopefully some day some one will push a Janet Renaissance… (The articles I read said the reason the industry was so hard on her was only partially the patriarchy, but mostly pure racism.)
        OK, it IS you. Yes, you have mentioned that it was a little rough starting out. I have a lot of respect for life models. One of my instructors tried to talk me into doing it, but I surely would have died of embarrassment!
        Very cool that you worked your way through school and was able to do so well! On the other hand, there may be something to it – I know I did a lot better in life after I had a few lean years.
        Thanks re: the drawing! There are times I look at my drawing and painting and want to get back into it, but it would take a lot of time and practice to get back to where I was back then. Sigh, you can’t do everything. But I still enjoy the little sketches I still do, like the “star” video I did last year.
        I have been practicing drums and trying to get better at singing, but haven’t had much inspiration to try to record lately. I think it will happen soon – I am walking around singing and humming all of the time, and in the past that means I am about to hit a new creative streak. I certainly hope so! As you said, when it is time, it will flow. I just hope that time is soon!

        1. That’s crazy about Janet. Racism.. it doesn’t make sense. Interestingly the book does touch then expand a bit on racism, via breasts.

          You’re right, Trent! I had a chance at better future, and I dared dream. I wasn’t going to blow the opportunity, that I was working so hard for.

          Well, I for one would like to see another video with your art. I think one does get rusty, but it comes back quickly when you get into it again.

          Yes… creativity flows!

  13. Thank you, Resa, for highlighting Merril’s Cultural Encyclopedia of the Breast. I remember my admiration for Merril’s bravery and scholarship when the tome was published in 2014. Also, I do support the noble intention of the Pink Campaign.

    2. It’s a fabulous book!
      I wish more people would read it.
      Okay… it’s not a novel, but an entry here and there while it lives on the coffee table would go a long way.

      Thank you so very much, Marian!

  15. Thanks for the engaging review of Merril’s book. It sounds interesting and informative Resa. We do seem to have a convoluted view and relationship with breasts, especially in the west.

    1. You are right on with this comment.
      I learned much about many societies and how breasts were and are viewed, from this book.
      It seems to me they are the most mysterious non-mystery ever!
      Thanks Brad!

  16. Once again, I’ve discovered something outstanding created by the hand and beautiful mind of Merril D. smith.
    This is such a vital subject that affects us all. Thank you so much Merril.
    Resa, thank you bringing this to us , a wonderful job!

    xoxoxo

    1. Me too! I grabbed this book as a lark, you know..hey Merril I found your book at my library.

      No lark. This is a genuinely enlightening book.
      Yes, it educates, but then there is so much more.

      I know coffee table books are usually filled with great pics that one can skim through. However, throw this on the coffee table for a whole new effect. Just read 1 entry, and a light goes on.

      Thank you dear Meece for your enthusiasm on this topic! xoxo🐭🐭xoxo

        1. Yes, and I just checked. They carry 5 more of her titles.
          I need to finish the Art Gown, have 3 more books to read and MUST draw.
          So, I’ll probably check another one out in the spring.

          I think it’s pretty incredible, a sign of a certain success when libraries carry your books.

          xoxoxoxo🐭🐭xoxoxoxoxo

    2. Aww, thank you so much, dear Rene. I’ve written and edited a bunch of scholarly and reference books. Cultural Encyclopedia of the Breast was a momentary crossover book. 😉

      1. I’m immensely impressed with your many accomplishments dear Merril. Thank you for sharing your knowledge , motivation, and the depth of your writing skills with us. ❤️

  17. Thank you for the review of Merril’s book. And because It’s breast cancer awareness month. I would like to share to you that my aunt is currently going chemo-treatment for her breast cancer. She’s stage 1. She had it before long time ago like 7 years ago and now it came back. I’ll say this about my aunt, she is a strong and powerful woman. She can fight this and win victorious at the end.

    “Cancer gave me a reason to be the best version of myself, and that’s what I’ve done. You realize that fear can either cripple you or it can motivate you, and it had been crippling me. And I decided to change it, and let that fear be motivating.”Amy Robach

    Very informative post my friend. Miss you and hope all is well with you. Sending you a million blessings. 🙂

    1. Dear Charlie,

      I do hope your aunt wins the fight!

      It sounds like she will because she caught it at stage 1. That’s half the battle, early detection.

      Amy Robach’s quote is insightful. It is a choice we have within ourselves, to turn negative energy into a force that works for us, not against us. In the end, energy is energy.

      Thank you Charlie, and a million blessings back to you!

      1. Thank you, Resa.

        My aunt is a fighter and a strong woman, and I know in my heart she will beat this cancer.

        Glad you liked the quote. It fit with your topic, and I felt it was needed for the awareness.

        Bless you a million my friend. 🙂

    2. Good luck to your aunt, Charlie! I’m glad they caught it early. I had breast cancer, too, but fortunately did not have to have chemo. That’s scary that it came back.

      1. Thank you. She’s strong and I know she will beat this cancer. I call her from time to time just to check how she is feeling. My whole family has her support.

        So sorry you had breast cancer too. How have you been feeling since? Hope all is well.

  18. I’ve lost too many friends to breast cancer – the last one was a scientist and she had real issues with the people running the pink movement so I am very careful. Sounds like an important book!

    1. Breast cancer is a scourge. I still know about the same number of people who are diagnosed with it, but most seem to be surviving due to early detection.

      Yes, a lot of companies are raking in a lot of money under the”Pink” umbrella, but giving very little of it over to research and other support entities.
      I’m so impressed with this book.
      These books are expensive, but our library carries 5 of Merril’s titles.

      I’ll read another one in the spring!
      Thanks for chiming in, Jan!

        1. Yes, there are many different types of breast cancer. Some are more easily taken care of than others.
          Trials are underway now for a breast cancer vaccine, and there does seem to be some progress on other cancers.

    2. It’s my pleasure, Liz.
      Yeah, scholarly… good word for it, yet it was a fab read.
      I say that because many do not want to read a scholarly book, but they should read this one.

        1. Neither am I, not surprised.
          Well, Merril has more books available at my library.
          I’m bound to checkout another. Having your book on library shelves is a sign of success. I’m so impressed.

          1. You are so right about that. I now have University of New Hampshire book borrowing priviledges. Just out of curiosity, I checked WorldCat, and the Encyclopedia of the Breast is listed for UNH. How about that!

  23. Great review, Resa! I’ll have to see if my library has Merril’s book. Between your review and Merriil’s wonderful writing and research, I’m sure I’ll enjoy it 🙂

  24. Bravo, Resa!!! You knocked this one out of the park with the song and all. Great shout out and fun images love it and I’m sure Merril was over the moon!!!!💕🎵🎤🎸💗

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  27. What a fascinating post. I loved reading this, Resa, and thank you for highlighting Merril’s book and her scholarly reflection on/study of the breast. It sure has had a unique role in our culture (and others) through time. I love Merril’s poetry, and had no idea of her other publishing accomplishments. ❤ ❤

    1. Agree!
      Merril’s poetry is fabulous. It’s 2 fold. It’s got neat words that paint decisive images. It’s got messages, stories and morality.

      This book is special. Many universities have a copy. I’m so happy I took the time (a lot of time) to read it. I was able to read a novel all the while, because I didn’t have 2 sets of characters and plots to contend with.

      I feel so well read! ❦❦🌹

  28. What an interesting and educational post, Resa, and thanks for spotlighting Merrill’s accomplishments. I will visit her blog. It’s frustrating how the western culture has and still does objectify women in every aspect. My friend’s mom passed away from breast cancer after decades of fighting and remission. And I have a friend who is a survivor. So, I support the pink ribbon cause wholeheartedly. Your song choice is perfect too. Thanks for this wonderful post. 🩷🌷

    1. You’re welcome, Lauren and thank you!
      Yes…frustrating. And that’s just western culture.
      The poor women of Afghanistan.. beyond objects… chattel for men to abuse as pleased.

      Anyway,I’m thankful I was born where and when I was.
      …and for all the creative pals I have!
      How’s your new book..books coming?

      My mom was a breast cancer survivor. I have several gf’s who have had BC, and survived, due to early detection and being pro active with their treatments.

      Lauren, thank you for taking the time to read this post! It means a lot to me.

      Okay,I’m going to go work on my new Art Gown for awhile!
      xxoo❦🌹🌟

      1. You’re so welcome, Resa! I’m glad your mom and your friends survived BC, too. This form has not touched our family, thankfully, but melanoma has which can be deadly. My hubby had it, but caught it early, so he is fine. The sun is his enemy though, unfortunately, because he loves the outdoors, as you know we both do.

        By the way, did you get the link from my post a couple of days ago? It’s about elephants and a lovely mural. So, I thought of you. 🙂

        As to my book, we’re working on the cover images and having complications. But I hope to publish in November! Fingers crossed. Have fun working on your gorgeous Art Gown! Hugs xoxo

        1. Dear Lauren,
          I just read your post, and poem for the elephants. My heart is broken. (pardon for the mini-rant I left in comments)

          Thank you for the shout out! I did not get a notice, but I think that is because it just links to the blog in general, and not a post in specific.

          That is something I have been noticing, lately.

          Cover images…AMAZING! This is your children’s book?

          I look forward!
          Big hugs! xoxoxo

          1. Hi Resa, you can rant anytime, and the cause is worth your time and mine. Ahh, maybe I linked incorrectly. Oh well, I mainly wanted you to see the murals, and then came the poem that had a mind of its own. The challenge was the sonnet form. 🙂 And yes, the cover image is for my children’s book. I hope you like it. 🙂 Big hugs and have a good weekend! xoxoxoxo

            1. The murals are fab! Thank you for taking pics for me and everyone. xoxoxo

              I thought OMG, I found elephants on that day.
              I checked, but turns out I found them a couple days earlier. Still, we both were taking pics of elephant art within a 2 day range.

              Maybe not like…serendipity, but definitely ELEPHANCY!
              🌟💓xo❦

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  31. Very good. I’d forgotten about Agnés Sorel…

    The song at the end made me laugh. I remember presenting a study I’d done on women in Mexico at a Congress. (Shamelessly taking advantage of the fact that at least 60-65% of the profession are women.)

    I concluded the paper with Shania Twain… Got an award. LOL.

  32. PS. I can’t believe about the AI woman having a FB account… Jesus. Where are we going?

    I’m thinking of doing a post about AI. I’ve been doing some “research”.

    1. Do it! Do the post!

      I don’t know where we are headed, Brian.
      From chopping heads in the Tower of London, to an AI human having a FB account… what a distance.

      Makes me wonder…what’s it all about. Then again, I don’t want to go mad, so I can’t think on it too much! xxx

      1. I’m working on the post. I ask WP-AI to generate a featured image. It does it based on the entire post. “Art” and copy. It’s amazing. Scary, but amazing. So I’m gathering the images, then will male a selection confronted with the real stuff.

  34. Fantastic presentation for what looks a fascinating read. I’m off to check it out! Like I said Resa, you give the best reviews. 🙂 Hugs ❤ xox ❤

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    1. My pleasure, and you are welcome!
      I’m very happy I read it.
      Klausbernd, my regards to you and the other 3 of the Fab Four!
      ❦❦❦❦

  37. Hey Resa!! Sorry I missed this awesome post, must’ve been up while I was traveling. But hey, better late than never right?

    Firstly, what a fascinating and insightful post!! As I just had a Mammogram last month, this is such a timely topic for me.

    It’s always mind-baffling to me how overly-sexualized breasts are in Western culture. I remember I think it was Notting Hill where Julia Robert’s character said ‘What is it about men and nudity? Particularly breasts? How can you be so interested in them?… seriously: they’re just breasts. Every second person in the world has them.’ So true, isn’t it?

    Ugh, I knew immediately when I saw that pic of Emily Pellegrini that she’s created by AI as she doesn’t look remotely human, ahah.

    Thanks Resa and Merrill! The song is perfect, too!

    1. Welcome Ruth, and thank you!

      Right! No worries!
      xxxx
      I remember you said you were looking forward to seeing the post, especially since you were having a mammo shortly.
      Yes, I had posted during your short vaycay, and wanted you to see the article.

      So, I figured I’d just shoot you the link!

      Guess what? I never saw Notting Hill. I went through a … phase … where I didn’t want to watch Hugh Grant movies. Who knows why an actor can be a personal turn off?

      When I saw him in “Unfrosted”, it all came rushing back. Honestly, watching him make an idiot of himself in that pathetic movie was the best I ever liked him. 😂

      Yes, it is true about every other person having breasts, in terms of this topic. Still, men do have breasts.

      Where is the AI woman thing headed? Did you see her breasts? If she was a real woman, she’d fall forward when she tried to walk. 😂😂

      Ruth, thank you for reading this. It was kind of a big deal for me to read an entire encyclopedia. I’m glad I did! What an eye opener.

      Okay, looking for some more of your reviews! – Resa xo 🌹🌟

      1. Ahah, grumpy Grant can be a turn off, I can see that. I actually find his self-deprecating interviews funny and his rom-com persona are usually goofy, totally different from his real-life personality. But yeah, Unfrosted is just terrible and unwatchable!

        Mwahahaha!! That’s why I never understand why some women want giant breasts, it’d be super uncomfortable and impractical! Plus they look ridiculous, NOT sexy!

        Thanks for this awesome post, Resa!! See you on the blogosphere 🙂

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  39. I coined “Pink Haze,” relative to how society is lost in pink everything relative to Breast Cancer Awareness: Pink parades, marathons, with people and pets adorned in pink tutus and tiaras, froliking and twirling around, shouting noises, blowing horns. It’s like a circus. We do that to deflect from the harsh realities of breast cancer–the pain, physical scars on women’s and men’s chests, the strained and deteriorated relationships in families, among friends, and marriages, and so much more. The experience of having breast cancer is far-reaching. I think the major deflection is of the body scars, which tend to be extremely deformed. Women who once had two pretty looking breasts, all of a sudden having two deep crater scars to look at until death. Yet, in a pink haze, we jump around, run distances, yes to raise money for needs of survivors and research. But, I want us to look at women’s bodies, whether real or via photos or videos, and face the realities of breast cancer. And, yes, women are brave who endure–but, it is a day to day struggle, for sure. Thank you for sharing such an interesting post.

    1. Thank you so much for this insightful, and empathetic comment.
      This book was an eye opener, and my eyes were already opened. so, my eyes opened wider.
      I have been vegetarian almost my entire life, 99% vegan.
      Thank you for reading this article.
      Be well!!

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