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# Breast Cancer Slacktivism
'What Color is Your Bra?" Campaign Goes Viral

By Katie Cordrey | Published 2010-01-10 | Lifestyle
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breast-cancer-slacktivism
References: [npr.org](http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2010/01/bra_color_facebook_breast_canc.html) & [washingtonpost](http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/08/AR2010010803693.html)

One word color responses like purple, white, beige, black appear without context on many female users’ [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharethewonder) pages. The colors are responses to the question, “What color is your bra?” The meme has gone viral but no one seems to know where it started or who started it.

Several observers and critics of the phenomenon question whether it isn’t really ‘slacktivism,’ feel-good online activism, in this case to raise breast cancer awareness, that has zero political or social impact.

Before we chalk it all up to slacktivism, better take note that Facebook fans of the Susan G. Komen [Breast Cancer Foundation](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breast-cancer-research-foundation) as well as donations to the [American Cancer Society](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baja-style-shrimp-tacos) are up significantly since the “What color is your bra?” question was posted.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 4.0/10
- Popularity: 22% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Health](https://www.trendhunter.com/health)

## Key Themes

### Key Themes Behind This Trend

- **Social Media Activism:** The viral 'What Color is Your Bra?' campaign highlights the power of social media in promoting awareness and activism.
- **Mystery Memes:** The unknown origins of the 'What Color is Your Bra?' meme highlight the intrigue and viral nature of internet phenomena.
- **Impact of Online Engagement:** The increase in donations to breast cancer organizations suggests that online campaigns like 'What Color is Your Bra?' can have a tangible impact on fundraising efforts.

### Where This Applies

- **Nonprofit Organizations:** Nonprofit organizations focused on breast cancer awareness and research can leverage social media to engage with a wider audience and increase donations.
- **Technology:** Social media platforms can capitalize on the trend of viral memes to encourage user engagement and create innovative campaigns for social causes.
- **Fashion:** The 'What Color is Your Bra?' meme demonstrates how the fashion industry can be used as a platform to spread awareness and support for important causes.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Pancake-Centric Health Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pancakes-against-breast-cancer.md)
- [Awareness-Driven Pink Mug Fundraisers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pink-mug.md)
- [Breast Cancer Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/breast-cancer-awareness-campaigns.md)
- [Breast Cancer Awareness Coffees](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charitable-donation-campaign.md)
- [Uplifting Breast Cancer Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uncovered-project.md)
- [Breast Cancer Awareness-Focused Mascaras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/thrive-causemetics1.md)
- [Empowering Bra-Branded Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharethewonder.md)
- [Creative Cancer Awareness Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pick-up-your-poop.md)
- [Cancer-Symptom Detecting Bras](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stage-zero.md)
