Awareness issues for May

Its the beginning of a new month (May) and I'll be watching for people doing good things for the following awareness issues for the month of May.

	Cervical Cancer Screening Month
	National Birth Defects Awareness Month
	National Glaucoma Awareness Month
	Mental Wellness Month
	Thyroid Disease Awareness Month
	National Blood Donor Month
	National Random Action Month
	4-10: National Folic Acid Awareness Week
	17-23: Healthy Weight Week
	24-30: National Certified Nurse Anesthetists Week
	18: King Day of Service

Clothesline Project and Take Back the Night at EKU

The Clothesline Project was in Powell Plaza at Eastern Kentucky University April 23, 2013 where more than 100 people gathered to participate in the 10th annual Take Back the Night rally and march to raise awareness of sexual and domestic abuse.  

EKU students wrote personal notes, slogans and stories on the colored T-shirts to raise awareness.  The event was so successful it had to be extended.  Its good that awareness is being raised, but its also sad that we still have that many cases of abuse, sometimes resulting on death.  

'Break the silence, end the violence.'

Where is the line between Free Speech and Offensive T-shirts?

In this blog we've coverage numerous good deeds done through T-shirts.  We've even covered cases where people in positions of power seek to crush the expressions of a few because they felt the T-shirt was 'offensive' or could spark something more troublesome.

Here, I'd like to dig a little deeper into the subject of suppressing T-shirt designs.  I'm not referring to cases where public opinion dictates how a company conducts business through T-shirts.  A recent example of that is Nike removing their 'Boston Massacre' T-shirts from sale.  A common theme in Boston used in the past as a rallying cry.  But, with the recent Boston Marathon bombings, the populace is still rightfully raw about the subject.  I predict the pain will pass, and Boston will re-adopt the 'Boston Massacre' slogan and a rallying cry.  Maybe not for anti-bad guy reasons, but for sports, as it once was used.

The most common cases of suppression of free speech through T-shirts which supposedly contain offensive material, which is argued as our First Amendment right, occur in our public schools here in the USA.  And, most commonly, I see junior high school students being at the forefront of this conflict between self-expression and suppression of that expression.  The other, and more disturbing case of suppression, occurs from city officials declaring they know what's best for the city by imposing laws on what constitutes an offensive T-shirt.

Before we can question the right to suppress offensive T-shirt designs, we first have to define the terms.

What is an offensive T-shirt design?

If we're looking into the public school realm, offensive leans to sensitive subject matter in relation to the Gay issue.  Or, racial issues.  In the case of race, its usually someone showing support of their own heritage or showing respect for another.  Those are usually shut down rather quickly, as the school does not want to risk any racial-induced riots or fights.  I can understand.  In my youth, in my latter years of high school, we had an infusion of Vietnamese kids come into our school.  Mind you, we weren't that long removed from the Vietnam war, er, conflict.  TV and movies were still showing Vietnam as the bad guys.  We had a few kids band together with T-shirts with crudely written hate messages with unfortunate racial slurs towards the Vietnamese.  Things came to a head when a big fight broke out near the buses at the end of the school day.  It was got really scary there until the fight was stopped by teachers and school officials.  

The Gay issue in public schools is very unique.  I think for as long as there has been public school, there have been anti-gay statements made within the schools.  The word 'fag' was so over-used that it became this ubiquitous term used to denote anyone who was stupid, dumb or dorky.  If someone wasn't liked, for whatever reason, they were labelled a fag.  I don't mean homosexual in nature, just in a general dumb-ass nature.  With that in mind, kids today are incredibly savvy when it comes to proclaiming their beliefs via a T-shirt in response to the Gay issue.  As an 8th grader recently showed last month, wearing a message that indicated she didn't approve of Gays was challenged by a school board.  They felt it was hate speech, but the ACLU stepped in and forced the school to change its position on the grounds that the student's beliefs said that being Gay was not correct.  Not acceptable.  It was evil.  Wrong.  Her T-shirt made that point.  She was not claiming hatred or acts of violence against Gays, only that she didn't approve of being Gay.  There's your First Amendment right working as designed.  Even if the message sets your blood on fire, its the student's right to make that declaration.  Its your beliefs versus the other person's beliefs.  Its only positions of power that can suppress the beliefs of one in favor of another.

If we're talking about city officials, the word offensive usually has a sexual origin to it.  Its these people in positions of power who will create laws to force one agenda over another.  In recent memory, city officials in southern Florida towns have taken upon themselves to decry the abomination of sexually oriented T-shirts, and force retailers to position these T-shirts into newly created 'adult' areas for 18 yeas and older for viewing.

I'm going to step out on this subject with common sense and declare these suppression of rights, to display in store and sell these so-called offensive T-shirts, a very poor choice for two core reasons.

First, once the offensive T-shirt is legally viewed by an adult, and purchased by an adult, said adult can wear the T-shirt in public, in direct and unhindered view of children (gasp - oh the horrors).  We're talking about the same T-shirt which could see the store owner fined (substantially) for displaying it in their store in direct, unhindered view of children.  That reason alone shows a desire to punish the store owner for daring to even sell the T-shirt.  I'm sure city officials would love to fine and jail anyone wearing an offensive T-shirt in public, but they are at least smart enough to know when they are overtly trampling the First Amendment and common basic civil rights.

Second, with the curious, and unnatural aversion to sexually oriented T-shirts, why is not the same attention drawn to violent themed T-shirts.  Its my position that violence is much more corrosive to our youth than sex.  Have you actually seen some of the cartoons today's youth watch?  Try making it through just one episode of Sponge Bob Square Pants without cringing in view of the exaggerated violence.  One only has to dial the time machine back a few ears to the Power Rangers.  In its zenith of popularity, children were wearing clothes, had lunch boxes and all manner of merchandise of their heroes.  I personally witnessed children mock beating the shit out of each in their desire to replay those wildly violent battles they saw on Saturday morning cartoons.  

I find it truly mind boggling that people are more accepting of allowing our youth frequent and unhindered access to violence, but fall to near seizure mode when considering how to explain the world of sexually oriented material to a child.  I'm not calling into question the violence consumed by children, as I grew up watching the Roadrunner cartoons and I consider myself a respectable and stable person.  I'm no one special in that department though.  In the USA entertainment culture, it is incredibly difficult to to navigate life without seeing some level of violence in entertainment.  I hope that's not an argument for suppressing sexually oriented T-shirts.

So, what have we learned?  Have we defined what offensive means?  No, because offensive is subjective.  Offensive is defined by those in positions of power.  As a king may dictate laws of the land, edicts are established, based on the those currently in power, to suppress views and beliefs of others.  In some cases, those rules are in place to maintain a sense of peace, but in most cases its to further a personal agenda which is believed to be for the betterment of society.  

In closing, let me try a definition of offensive.  I believe any T-shirt with imagery or slogans which promote Fraud, Force or Coercion towards another person is offensive.  Those acts are morally and legally wrong, too, but to wear a T-shirt which promotes that is offensive.  That said, I don't consider "Cereal Killer" an offensive T-shirt.  Its punny.

What are your thoughts on the matter?

7-year old of Mateo's Litter Critters honored for cleaning up York City, PA

As part of Earth Week, mayor Kim Bracey or York City, PA, honored Mateo Maldonado, 7, for coordinating a volunteer initiate called "Mateo's Litter Critters."  On March 10, Mateo collected 47 bags of trash from just one area of the city.  Mateo appeared before his fellow students, got a hug from the mayor and a certificate for his community service.  Mateo and his fellow students were all wearing their "Mateo's Litter Critters" T-shirts.  On the front is the slogan, "Every Drop Counts." (York Dispatch)

Great things can come from small packages.  Mateo is a perfect example of that.  He has another clean up event scheduled on May 18th.  I hope others will become are of this and seek to help him.  The recognition by the mayor is a great act.  That recognition will have a profound positive influence on Mateo's life.

Do good things.

Red Hot Chili Peppers pose in iGiveiLive T-shirts

Members of the group Red Hot Chili Peppers and Olympic diver (Tom Daley) are showing their support and raising awareness of an organ donor campaign which started at the Torbay hospital in the UK, by wearing T-shirts with the iGiveiLive campaign slogan.

Having these musicians pose in the T-shirts on social media has been great for the hospital.  The hospital notes that while they've seen a 50% increase in donors since 2008, there are still 3 people a day who die because they aren't enough organs available. (Herald Express - South Devon)

I like when celebrities can make a positive difference wen using social media.

Do good things.

Pro-recycling Earth Week T-shirts

Celebrating Earth Week (April 17 - 24), Sims Bros. Inc, located in Marion, OH, is giving away free T-shirts to promote recycling, to those who bring in scrap and recyclables during Earth Week.  In addition to recycling, Marion is conducting a downtown cleanup effort, and encourage people to volunteer. (Marion Star)

T-shirts for volunteers has always been a good way of showing solidarity to a cause.  Unity in numbers, and the more you have wearing the T-shirt, the better message is presents to the community.  People will look upon the volunteers and think, wow, they're doing something really good.  Maybe we should help.  Yes, maybe you should.

Stay clean this Earth Week in Marion.

Sexual Assault Awareness month - RIC student decorate T-shirts

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Women's Center at the Rhode Island College worked in conjunction with The Clothesline Project to decorate about 30 T-shirts with messages to bring awareness to the issue of violence against women.

Jessica Crowe, coordinator of the Women's Center and student at RIC, says this is a great event.  Spanning Rhode Island to Tanzania, there are an estimated 500 international Clothesline Projects consisting of about 60,000 T-shirts. (Rhode Island College)

Awareness is a good objective.  Often, many good causes are missed because there was not sufficient awareness.  

Do good things.

Anti-bullying T-shirts raise awareness at Centennial junior high school

A group of students at Centennial high school (Kaysville, UT) wore bright yellow T-shirts emblazoned with the message "Stand Up 2 Bullying" stood up during lunch and performed a flash mob and danced to upbeat music to raise awareness to bullying.  The event caught the attention of everyone, which allowed the group to share their message of a anti-bullying revolution.  They want people at the school to feel like its a safe environment. (Standard-Examiner)

Bullying has always been a problem.  And, in junior high school, it can be really horrific at times.  I'm not here to point out reasons, but any action that is taken to raise awareness or reduce bullying is most welcomed.  I like to see the initiative taken by the students to make their school safer and more enjoyable.  

Do good things?

Adam Farris has unique abilities

Adam Farris is selling T-shirts about autism to raise awareness of autism and raise funds for his cause.  Adam who has attention deficit disorder and Tourette syndrome started the nonprofit organization Ability Shirts  with the slogan "No one has a disability, everyone has abilities."  Adam doesn't see himself as having disabilities, but unique abilities.  

April is Autism Awareness month, but Adam has merchandise for sale at at two locations in Hendersonville, NC throughout the year.  Mike's on Main restaurant and Mast General Store.  Proceeds go to different local organizations.

Do good things.

Tie-dye T-shirts created by elementary students for autism awareness month

Students and staff at the Bowne-Munro elementary school in East Brunswick, NJ collaborated with a parent of one of the children to create tie-dye T-shirts to raise awareness that April is Autism Awareness Month.  The goal was to build school community and accept people with autism and their families.

Using an old fashioned tie-dyes such as soda ash, the process takes a while, but the results are wonderful.  The colors they chose include blue, baby blue and bright green.  In the middle of the T-shirt is a puzzle piece which is common among the autistic community.  About 70 of the tie-dye T-shirts have been sold, raising about $200.  (Sentinel)

I'm a big fan of tie-dye.  Combine that with the great efforts by everyone involved to bring awareness to autism, and I applaud them.  Great job.  

Do good things.

MPD and Special Olympics Team-up for 10-mile Torch Run

The Maricopa police department (Arizona) is selling T-shirts as part of its participation in a 10-mile leg of of a fundraiser for the Special Olympics torch run.  In past years, MPD has been in a supportive role, but this year they will actually be running.  They are encouraging everyone in the department to run.  Proceeds from the T-shirt sales will be donated to this year's Special Olympics.  T-shirts can be purchased for $20.  Call 520-316-6881.

Its good to see people take an active role in helping.  Supportive is good, too, but I really like to see people jump in their and work.  Good job MPD for taking an active role.

Do good things.

Victoria Lovins raises autism awareness with T-shirt

Victoria Lovins, who lives with autism, and the Bucks County Technical High School are working together to raise funds for the Indiana-based Autism Spectrum Disorder Foundation, using a design of three different colored puzzle pieces connecting together with the words "I Am Unique".  The puzzle pieces are a common design theme in the autism community.  So far, nearly $1,000 has been raised, the school plans to purchase 100 more T-shirts to raise the total to $2,000. (philyburbs.com)

This is another fine example of students taking it upon themselves to recognize T-shirts are a great way to bring awareness of a subject.  And, as is usually the case, the student, Victoria in this case, designed the T-shirt.  Its simple, colorful and effective.  Great job.

Do good things.

Lionfish Photos Net Free T-shirts

The non-native Lionfish is infesting the Florida state waters and having a negative impact on reefs and wildlife.  Jessica McCawley, director of the FWC's Division of Marine Fisheries Management says, "These fish not only prey on native saltwater species, they also compete for food with economical important specifics such as grouper and snapper."

They are putting out a call to help control the Lionfish.  For the month of April, they want you to become a member of the "Lionfish Control Team" by posting a picture of yourself with a lionfish catch and post it in Instagram or Twitter with #FCWLionfish.  In return for your efforts you'll receive an official "Lionfish Control Team" T-shirt.

Heidi Klum and Babies "R" Us Introduce T-shirts for kids

Babies "R" Us has announced a new line of T-shirts for kids with a fun monster theme to raise awareness for the Save the Children organization.  The T-shirts were designed by Heidi Klum's 6-year old son, Johan.  Along with the release of the T-shirt line, Babies "R" Us will donate $50,000 to the Save the Children organization.

I have been watching this story develop over the past week, trying to get past the fact that Klum's 6-year old son was designing the T-shirts.  As the story unfolded, I learned Klum was working in conjunction with Babies "R" Us.  And then finally I learned both Klum and babies "R" Us are helping to raise awareness and donate funds to the Save the Children organization.  

It took a while to get the full story revealed.  A little disappointed the media was more interested in the fact that Heidi Klum's child was designing the T-shirts.  If it takes a little name recognition to raise the funds, then so be it.  Just a shame the media was more excited about Klum and not the benefits of what she was doing.

Do good things.

Great Falls Animal Shelter Selling T-shirts

The Great Falls Animal Shelter (Montana) is selling T-shirts to promote animal cruelty awareness.  The T-shirts are going for $15.  It should be noted animal cruelty is not liked to violence against animals, it also includes neglect.  Inadequate shelter, nutrition, those in need of medical attention, or chained.  Like children, animals do not have a voice.  (KFBB)

I hope they can raise awareness on this issue.  For those who do not know, April is Animal Cruelty Awareness Month.  Do your part of help this cause.

Do good things.

Red Hot Inkers appear on The Corbett Report

Today, April 3rd, I was interviewed by James Corbett of The Corbett Report.  I was given the opportunity to make an offer to the listening audience that if they bought a T-shirt I printed for The Corbett Report, I will personal donate $7 US dollars to James Corbett so he could continue his excellent efforts and maintain The Corbett Report.  Join me in keeping alternative media going strong by showing your support.

Here's the link to the audio of the interview:

http://www.corbettreport.com/interview-642-kris-andrews-on-red-hot-inkers/

To support James by buying a T-shirt, here's the link to the strain:

http://redhotinkers.storenvy.com/products/1312659-the-corbett-report

Thank you.

Clothesline Project Raises Awareness with T-shirts

This year's Clothesline Project in Seymour Union Ballroom on March 25 & 26 saw more than 400 people attend the event, creating about 500 T-shirts, by using paints to create T-shirts with stories and designs.  The project is to raise awareness of violence against women.  It also acts as an outlet for women to share their stories and support the issue.  (TheStylus)

Violence against anyone is never good.  Using an event like this calls attention within the community that such things as violence against women, sadly, still occurs and should not be tolerated.  This year's event was dedicated to Alexander Kogut. A sad story.  Hopefully, and event like this allows people to come together and find comfort in numbers, and call attention to this terrible menace the community.

Do good things.

School Buddy Program Creates T-Shirts

Jefferson School fifth grade buddy program will honor the World Autism Awareness Day (April 2nd) with the theme "Light It Up Blue" by making their own T-shirts.  Students in the special education program have buddies in the Jefferson school, who helped them create their own T-shirts.  On April 9th, teachers and staff can pay $5 to wear blue and support Autism Awareness.  (Summit)

The article I read didn't indicate what the raised funds would be used for, but the use of T-shirts to promote a cause allows anyone to create their own T-shirts and market them for a cause.

Do good things.

Eighth Grader Sells T-shirts to Generate Support, Acceptance for Autism

Here's a great story of eighth-grader Cassidy Gaddie who has created tye die T-shirts in support and acceptance of autism.  With the help of family and teachers at Whittier Middle School, she launched Show Your Colors for Autism by selling T-shirts.

http://normantranscript.com/headlines/x2109939294/Eighth-grader-sells-T-shirts-to-generate-support-acceptance

Prompted by personal experiences of bullying and ridicule against friends and loved ones with ASD, she worked worked with the school PTA to sell T-shirts as a fundraiser for Whittier's special education classrooms.  I'd say she's done well.  As of March 11, 2013 she's sold about 70 shirts.  

“I hope that those with autism can feel more comfortable with who they are and be more accepted and understood,” Gaddie said.

Well done, Cassidy.