Awareness

The Awareness Ribbon

While driving around town have you noticed all the different awareness ribbons (magnets) on cars?

I remember the first awareness ribbon – The Yellow Ribbon. The origins of the yellow ribbon started during the Iran Hostage Crisis in 1979. During that time the song “Tie a Yellow Ribbon around the Old Oak Tree” was very popular. And later in 1991 during Desert Storm, the yellow ribbon made a come back.

The awareness ribbons of today come in a variety of colors and causes. It is to the point of being too commercialized and meaningless. Unless you have a ribbon that stands out among the hundreds of colors and causes, it probably will not be noticed, because we have become anesthetized to all the ribbons. I did some research on the yellow ribbon concept, it now represents 24 causes. So, how can we raise awareness for the cause of your choice?

I believe that when the awareness ribbons initially spread around the nation it was a way to show the public you supported a particular cause without the speeches. The ribbons have turned into a fashion statement - a piece of jewelry or a lapel pin. The ribbon has lost its meaning. Maybe we need to go back to having town hall meetings were people came together for a common cause and shared their opinions. We have forgotten what is to stand up for something you believe.

The next time, you are asked what is your cause?

Give them an explanation with heart felt passion, because awareness doesn’t come from a magnet on a car. It comes from within your belief to bring understanding to your message to the world.