The BlogHer folks got the sponsorship and swag thing a little better this year at Blogher07. No matter what you think of Butterball pot holders (they were ugly, which is why no one wanted them) and PBSKids stickers, the items weren't offensive. Except for one - Curves cereal and snack bars.
No, not because the bars were awful but because the founder of Curves, Gary Heavin, is a supporter and contributor to the anti-choice group, Operation Save America, those folks who assert that there is a connection between breast cancer and abortion.
(See the information on Heavin, Curves, Operation Save America, etc. at Scopes.com and judge for yourself.)
I'm going to guess that many of the women who attended BlogHer are liberal and prochoice, though a few conservatives did voice their opinion at the Elizabeth Edwards appearance. I base this on talking to several women bloggers at the conference who I know support women's rights, feminist causes, are part of the LGBT community, have blogged about their abortions, and/or are peace activitists.
Yes I understand that the Curves corporation is not funding Operation Save America, abstinence only programs, and so-called pregnancy crisis centers like Care Net that are designed to dissuade pregnant women from having abortions. The donations come from Heavin's personal wealth. And it's his right as an American to support any cause he wants to with his money.
In turn, it's my right as an American not to make him richer. I refuse to support his business and join a Curves franchise. I will not buy his company's cereal and snack bars from General Mills. I will tell the women at Blogher about Gary Heavin and Curves. And I will object to the terrific people at BlogHer allowing Curves to sponsor their conference next year.
Instead, I hope they approach companies that support fair trade and organic products, such as the ones that are listed on the Organic Consumers Association and Fair Trade Certified websites. Women are a major economic force, and organic/fair trade producers want to reach female bloggers, too.
How do you feel about this? Did the folks at BlogHer unknowingly throw us a Curves ball? Or are you a pro-life supporter, think what Heavin is doing is just fine, and that you'll support his business and food? Let us know.
Are you involved with your child’s online life? Highlights Magazine and Glubble want to know. That’s why they’re inviting parents to participate in a short poll at Highlights.com.
I've been blogging with 
I, like 
