If you didn’t know, today is #NoBraDay, intended to raise “awareness” of breast cancer, much in the same way that pink football jerseys do. The hashtag encourages people to post selfies of their breasts without a bra (though typically contained in a shirt).
The campaign has murky origins, but allegedly began in 2011 by Facebook user “Anastasia Doughnuts,” according to the International Business Times. The date appeared to be July 9, but at some point it changed to October, which Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The original Facebook page hasn’t been updated since last October, but its most recent post calls for raising awareness of the disease.
Though it perhaps has good intentions, the hashtag is rubbing a lot of people the wrong way. Much like the backlash against the Save the Tatas campaign, #NoBraDay has been accused of focusing on the breasts themselves instead of the people behind the breasts. And, much like last year, it has a lot of people talking.
Here are the most common reactions people are having to #NoBraDay:
The “Stop sexualizing breasts, this is a real problem” reaction:
As someone whose mother died of breast cancer, fuuuuuuuuuuck #NoBraDay. By all means, take cute selfies. But don't pretend it's for this.
— Mara “Get Rid of the Nazis” Wilson (@MaraWilson) October 13, 2015
How about instead of #NoBraDay we make Oct 13th #DonatetoBreastCancerResearchAndSupportPeopleDealingWithADevastatingIllnessDay?
— Travis McElroy, The Internet's Best Friend (@travismcelroy) October 13, 2015
When we talk about testicular cancer we don't suggest that men should post pictures of their balls. (And please never start) #NoBraDay
— The Volatile Mermaid (@OhNoSheTwitnt) October 13, 2015
As a survivor who's srsly fed up w/ pink Breast Cancer Industrial Complex, this #NoBraDay idea is BS. Not wearing a bra does not save lives.
— Liz Dwyer (@losangelista) October 13, 2015
As you are busy searching for or posting thirst photos... Let's #Retweet this reality behind the #NoBraDay trend pic.twitter.com/WUZCMfAFks
— Stay Home 🏡 🌏🇮🇳 (@somnath456) October 13, 2015
The “Oops, I didn’t realize this was about breast cancer” reaction
If it wasn't for @twitter, I'd never know about #NoBraDay. Does this mean we're going to have a lot men staring at women's chests today?🙊🙈🙉
— Shuja Rabbani (@ShujaRabbani) October 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/musicnews_shade/status/653920847439233024
Is it #NoBraDay yet? I hate clothes
— ..Suurraahh.. (@suurraahful) October 6, 2015
No matter what shape or size, your breasts are beautiful.
— Alyaa Gad, MD (@AlyaaGad) October 13, 2015
Your womb gives life.
Your breasts keep the world alive.#NoBraDay
https://twitter.com/musicnews_facts/status/653902552346394624
The “Lol look at these unacceptable bodies” reaction
Happy #NoBraDay, dahlings... Champagne for everyone! pic.twitter.com/VNvqYehxoX
— BBC Three (@bbcthree) October 13, 2015
I understand today is #NoBraDay let's just hope not everyone participates. pic.twitter.com/Ow83pJ8bdW
— Orlando Alzugaray Jr (@BigOShow) October 13, 2015
https://twitter.com/DuncanWhitehead/status/653902513482113025
#NoBraDay pic.twitter.com/HfIPncVgmI
— Ese Sujeto (@rtoursg) October 13, 2015
The “Ugh men” reaction
https://twitter.com/YahBoiSelfie/status/653870211024621568
#NoBraDay is actually for breast cancer awareness but these hoes will take full advantage to display their hoeness 😐
— Mark (@Oyakhilome_) October 13, 2015
And, quite possibly the best, the “I couldn’t participate if I tried” reaction
What kinda A-cup privilege nonsense is this #NoBraDay
— Amanda Michelle (@amandamichl) October 13, 2015
So happy #NoBraDay … we think? Hopefully now you’re more aware of breast cancer, and not just continually aware of boobs.
Illustration by Max Fleishman