I've been thinking about those rubber Wristbands recently. It seems to me that they are worn by a certain 'type' of person (mainly), and was wondering if they are the 'new Burberry' for the masses?

What do you reckon?

*** Please don't turn this into yet another chav debate! ***

Depends what wristband really.
I wear 3, breast cancer, nspcc and sheffield wednesday. All 3 have meaning, but some people will wear them fake ones that look tacky just for a fashion accessory!

Originally posted by steelcitybab
Depends what wristband really.
I wear 3, breast cancer, nspcc and sheffield wednesday. All 3 have meaning, but some people will wear them fake ones that look tacky just for a fashion accessory!

I don't understand why people wear them though. They don't look nice, and what do they show? You've given three quid to charity? I'm all for giving to worthy causes, but I don't feel the need to tell everyone about it!

Agreed Kristian.

Especially when the 'in' thing seems to be 'wear as many different coloured bands as possible', without even being aware of which charity each one is for.

If I remember correctly, when I was a nipper (40 odd years ago), we used to collect and wear different coloured elastic bands on our wrists. We'd grown out of it by the time we were about 8 though.

I thought about starting this thread actually . . . since my post in the 'What wrong with Britain' thread - but thought I'd leave it to someone else . . . . . :rolleyes:

Personally - theres too many around and it'll not be a chav thing, because normal people wear them alot too. It's just sad that it's gone off the rails as being a charity thing to being a fashion statement.

Originally posted by Kristian
I don't understand why people wear them though. They don't look nice, and what do they show? You've given three quid to charity? I'm all for giving to worthy causes, but I don't feel the need to tell everyone about it!

True... but this may sound selfish, but some people like something in return for giving a little. It's just the same as wearing a pink boy or metal badge of breats cancer, but no one makes a big deal out of those!

Ahh, the football team ones.

Poverty = Get rid of it.

Aids = Get rid of it

NSPCC = Get rid of it - cruelty to children that is.

Breast cancer = Help find a cure for it.

SWFC = ?????? (So which of the above is it?):confused:

Originally posted by saxon51
SWFC = ?????? (So which of the above is it?):confused:

hey that cost me £2 :suspect: :hihi:

Wearing a band shows you support the charity... i wear 2 bands (used to wear 3)

I am proud to be seen wearing bands as i am very much a charity supporter...

I wear a pink one for breast cancer which is a big charity (any cancer is to be honest) and a blue one for Beat the Bully... I was bullied at school myself so i want to show people i am behind the charity to (try) stop Bullying in schools...

I dont see anything wrong in people wearing them myself... i like them beacuse they have meaning there not just some kinda wristband worn for fashion... but as they say 'Each to they're own'...

I'm all for giving to charity, but wouldnt wear a wristband to show that I'd done so, not that I think they're naff, but some are, it's just that I dont like them, and I hate to see people wearing about 5 or 6.
Do kids really give to charity, erm, no I dont think so, its just a fashion statement to them, i't ll wear off.:clap: :thumbsup:

Originally posted by saxon51
Ahh, the football team ones.

Poverty = Get rid of it.

Aids = Get rid of it

NSPCC = Get rid of it - cruelty to children that is.

Breast cancer = Help find a cure for it.

SWFC = ?????? (So which of the above is it?):confused:

Football - kick racism out of football.

I think they CAN be a way of expressing concern - sort of like the ribbons for AIDS, etc. But they're rapidly becoming a fashion accessory.

Also, the problem with mny of the causes espoused on wristbands is that the arguments are simplified to the level of being platitudes.

It's almost sound bite politics. A few weeks ago I posted something about 'spiritual materialism' and I think that wearing the charity bands can head off in to that territory. As for wearing the bands as a fashion accessory, that's just bizarre.

Some years ago I wore a normal elastc band around my wrist when I was trying to stop biting my nails. The idea was to flick the band whenever I wanted to chew a finger. Didn't work all that well, as I'm still nibbling, and I'm thinking that the impact of wristbands on the problems they attempt to raise consciousness for will be equally poor in the long term.

Don't put your heart on your sleeve; keep it where it belongs.

Joe

I have a light purple wristband for Bluebell Wood which is our works charity we support.

I am going to wear mine tonight, I am a believer in giving to charity and I know some people just wear them as a "fashion" item ... but not me...

Originally posted by Lestat
Football - kick racism out of football.

Thanks Lestat:thumbsup:

How come they cost £2 though, and where does THAT money go? Surely 'kicking racism out of football' doesn't cost money.

Finally......How come it says 'Wednesday till I die' on them instead of 'Kick racism out of football'?

Surely it's a money-making scam for the team concerned.:confused:

I don't want anyone to misunderstand my views on this.

I'm all for charity giving (I pledged a three-figure sum to Comic Relief this year) but I didn't feel the need to run around and tell everyone I'd done so. Indeed I wouldn't have mentioned it now if it hadn't been relevant, however proud I am of my actions. I just don't see why people feel the need to show everyone they chucked a couple of quid in a charity box.

Gosh -- better not wear mine tonight, lol

Originally posted by saxon51
Thanks Lestat:thumbsup:

How come they cost £2 though, and where does THAT money go? Surely 'kicking racism out of football' doesn't cost money.

Finally......How come it says 'Wednesday till I die' on them instead of 'Kick racism out of football'?

Surely it's a money-making scam for the team concerned.:confused:

The kick racism out of football bands are by NIKE and are two bands inter-linked, black & white.

Alot of football clubs have made their own bands - I know both Wednesday & United have them as I've seen fans wearing them at work. To show support rather than charitable.

Originally posted by saxon51
Ahh, the football team ones.

Poverty = Get rid of it.

Aids = Get rid of it

NSPCC = Get rid of it - cruelty to children that is.

Breast cancer = Help find a cure for it.

SWFC = ?????? (So which of the above is it?):confused:

They're the ones I'm refering to in my 'not too comical' post.

Okay,...I'll avoid irony and shut up now.:(

Is this a good place to introduce my latest money-spinning venture? The SheffieldForum wristband :D

Go for it Andy.

I'll have 5 dozen.:thumbsup:

There must be 60 kids at my school who I can rip off.:heyhey:

By the way, what will it say on them?

"Make logic history"?

I wear two coloured wristbands and at 42 Chav is not what I would call myself. I care and I do charity stuff because I can.

I wear a Yellow Lance Armstrong one, because of what he`s achieved and how much help his web site gives for people with cancer.

I wear a light blue, Bluebell wood one because I did the charity`s 13,000 feet skydive for them.

I dont wear needless ones, but I would not stop wearing them, they are a statement for me.

yes, I wouldn't be seen dead wearing one.

they are little fashion accesories

robbie

Do you wear named t-shirts or named jeans or not?

This is the problem with "fashion" people, jumping on the charity bandwagon ..... I agree with Rosie.. they are a statement for me...

when I see it on my wrist, I think of all those people who are worse off than me... and how lucky I am... and I can say I`ve given a £1 ... It has fed someone ...

Originally posted by rosie
robbie

Do you wear named t-shirts or named jeans or not?

I see where you're going with this Rosie, but really:

Prada handbag = I have taste and cash for expensive things.

Wristband - I put three quid in a charity box.

This is my point about them becoming status symbols.

Originally posted by rosie
robbie

Do you wear named t-shirts or named jeans or not?

I try not to really as I hate being a walking sponsor.

If I thought 90% of the people actually gave a damn about the charity they represented then I might not be so bothered.

They are just fashion accesories for kids.

I think the ghist of this thread is the trend towards 'collecting' these wristbands with little or no regard for the charities concerned. A little like those who buy and wear a poppy on Nov 11th simply because everyone else is doing so.

The 'fashion accessory' wearers would probably acquire them for free if it were possible, and/or buy any new design irrespective of where the money goes.

"Ooh look, a new orange and blue wristband with 'SUPPORT THE BADGER BAITERS' on it. Must have one of those for my collection."

Originally posted by Kristian
I see where you're going with this Rosie, but really:

Prada handbag = I have taste and cash for expensive things.

Wristband - I put three quid in a charity box.

This is my point about them becoming status symbols.

you wouldn't find me carrying around a Prada Handbag :o

Originally posted by robbie
you wouldn't find me carrying around a Prada Handbag :o

I have three but they are mens ones!

Come on then Kristian, what does a bloke carry in his handbag?

Cough up!!:confused:

Prada handbags ..... are they not a fashion accessory, only kidding.

Yes what do you have in them, you will have to show us tonight.

Mine would have ...... mobile phone, bitching book, nail file, blue wristband, door keys, pen and paper.

I think that's a whole new thread Saxon51! :D

So you are ok having a Prada handbag and knowing how much is made from it, but you dont see why I have the two wristbands I have.

I support the two charitys and by wearing them I show support for those charitys.
I am not a kid, although I have 4 of my own.

I dont believe in named clothes but I do believe in giving a dam about charities and thats why I do as much as I can for them.
I am as proud of the Cavindish t-shirt I got for what I did as I am of my wristbands, because I got off my arse and did something instead of moaning about how much I gave to charity , I actually give to the charity my time and commitment.

I do agree with there are wristbands for allsorts but if that is they only way they can make money then let them do it.

Originally posted by rosie
So you are ok having a Prada handbag and knowing how much is made from it, but you dont see why I have the two wristbands I have.


That wasn't the point I was trying to make Rosie.

I just don't like to see people jumping on a charity bandwagon in the name of fashion.

You will always get some that wear them for a fashion accessory, but dont forget those that wear them for a reason.

Well I am wearing mine tonight,. and I dont care what anyone says.

Originally posted by peter41
Well I am wearing mine tonight,. and I dont care what anyone says.

Nobody's saying they would abuse someone for wearing one Peter! :D They're just not my cup of tea!

If it encourages one extra person to give to charity who would otherwise not have done then they can only be a good thing. Fashion statement or not.

I should ask how many of the forum members actually do something for charities and not just give money.

Originally posted by rosie
I should ask how many of the forum members actually do something for charities and not just give money.

And since when has giving money no been doing something for charity?

Maybe its a trick question ....

give money = for charity

doing something for charity = makes money = for charity

= same answer



Anyway I am getting ready to go out now

I did not say dont give money but for some on this forum perhaps they should actually get off bum and physically do something for a charity and earn the money sponsered by others.


I dont mean all those on the forum, just some.

Originally posted by rosie
I should ask how many of the forum members actually do something for charities and not just give money. Don't you think that's a bit personal....some of us are connected to charities (some of which most would probably never have heard of) and help those charities in our own way.

Not all charities are all about money ~ the definition of a charity is "a non-profit-making organisation", which is usually set up to help certain sections of the community, be it by research into diseases and/or other matters, or by raising money to help those less fortunate.

For myself, I prefer to help the charity(ies) I'm involved with by not broadcasting the fact, with a wristband, badge or sticker....it is so not necessary!

Why is it personal, with some of the questions on this forum.

Its good you are connected with charities, but what if some of those that had no connection actually did something sponsered for a charity, is that so bad to ask how many do that already.

I ask a question an its portrayed as personal but yet people can slag others off for what they believe in and not an eyebrow is raised.

Charities need people to raise money for them is that also wrong asking them to do this then.

I agree that for a lot of kids band wearing has become a fashion statement.....the more they have the cooler they think they are.....but so what. Didnt we all do things purely in the name of fashion and being 'with it' when we were young?

I wear a genuine 'make poverty history' band. I gave a few quid towards the charity for it. I wear it to show solidarity with something i consider worthwhile.

Does anyone start slagging people off for wearing poppies when they've handed over a quid?

I wear a 'Live Strong' wristband, and i wear it with pride.
There have been 5 or 6 people ask me why i'm wearing it and what it stands for. After explaining, they want to know more.

So..........
i've donated to charity.
I've raised awareness.
I've probably got other people to donate.

Not a bad thing if you ask me :wink:

Originally posted by rudeboy

Does anyone start slagging people off for wearing poppies when they've handed over a quid?

I'm neither agreeing or disagreeing with you here, but I think that point that was being made is that kids have taken the wristbands and started using them as a fashion accessory.

I've yet to see kids nagging their parents for some money for a poppy.....

Originally posted by BoroughGal
I'm neither agreeing or disagreeing with you here, but I think that point that was being made is that kids have taken the wristbands and started using them as a fashion accessory.

I've yet to see kids nagging their parents for some money for a poppy.....

Exactly!

Well BoroughGal, hate to say it but my daughter always asks for money for a poppy and she wears here chosen writbands for what she believes in.

She is 11 and I have always discussed all topics with her but more importantly let her choose what she wants and back her up for what she believes in and yes she wears wristbands, she is not a chav, in fact according to her teacher at last weeks parentsevening, she is mature and always sees both sides of discussion and will make a well adjusted adult. So not all kids are as you think.

BoroughGal and Kristian while we are on the subject of poppies, two years ago my 14 year old son as he was then, actually went and sold poppies, so dont class all kids with the same brush.

I've been thinking about those rubber Wristbands recently. It seems to me that they are worn by a certain 'type' of person (mainly), and was wondering if they are the 'new Burberry' for the masses?

'm neither agreeing or disagreeing with you here, but I think that point that was being made is that kids have taken the wristbands and started using them as a fashion accessory.

No mention of kids in the original post i'm afraid.

Originally posted by Lestat
Alot of football clubs have made their own bands - I know both Wednesday & United have them as I've seen fans wearing them at work. To show support rather than charitable.

all proceeds go to "help a hallam child"

As for wearing them as an accesory, i can see that some people do wear them as this, but the vast majority are supporting there respective charities.

although i dowear the sheffield united one, and i did buy it as a statement towards Sheffield United, not towards help a hallam child, but its only cause the majority of the time i can not show my support of my local team by wearing a shirt.... but i helped out a good cause in the process so everyone is a winner.

i do also have the "kick racism out of football" which i no longer wear, not because i dont believe the worth while of the charity, but because i believe it starts to look daft having numerous wrist bands on your arms

I've been making a list of the different wrist bands mentioned on this thread so far. They are:-

Bluebell Wood charity (light purple or light blue)
Breast cancer awareness (pink)
Beat the bully (blue)
Kick racism out of football (black & white)
Lance Armstrong (yellow)
NSPCC (?)
Make Poverty History (?)
Live Strong (?)
Sheffield Wednesday (?)
Sheffield United - Help a Hallam Child (?)

I don't buy wrist bands or wear them, and I long ago stopped wearing the red Aids ribbon as I felt it too had become a fashion accessory. I've never worn a poppy since being forced to as a school kid. I regard giving to charity as a personal matter, and not something I personally wish to advertise on my wrist or lapel.

But if someone wants to buy and wear a coloured wristband - as a means of supporting their favourite charity - that's fine by me. But it seems it's becoming so trendy that they're running out of colours.....which charities have got the colours red, green, mauve and indigo then?

Originally posted by redrobbo
I've been making a list of the different wrist bands mentioned on this thread so far. They are:-

Bluebell Wood charity (light purple or light blue)
Breast cancer awareness (pink)
Beat the bully (blue)
Kick racism out of football (black & white)
Lance Armstrong (yellow)
NSPCC (?)
Make Poverty History (?)
Live Strong (?)
Sheffield Wednesday (?)
Sheffield United - Help a Hallam Child (?)

Wednesday - Blue and white and also help a halam child
United red and white
the live strong is the lance armstrong one, but a lot of new colours have come out too now
believe the make poverty history is white with a little bit of writing

I regard giving to charity as a personal matter, and not something I personally wish to advertise on my wrist or lapel. But if someone wants to buy and wear a coloured wristband - as a means of supporting their favourite charity - that's fine by me.

I agree Red....each to their own.

believe the make poverty history is white with a little bit of writing

Make poverty history is white with imprinted text.

i think the grey band is for testical cancer awareness

I wear my white Make Poverty History band with pride and a couple of people asked me what it was and where I got it from, so I pointed them in the right direction a couple of months BEFORE live8 made Make Poverty History into the public eye even more.

So I raised awareness for the charity right there..
It does look splendid on me as well too, I have to admit :)

Nice one Angelus

Originally posted by rudeboy
No mention of kids in the original post i'm afraid.

No..... I agree. You, however, mentioned it here:

Originally posted by rudeboy
I agree that for a lot of kids band wearing has become a fashion statement.....the more they have the cooler they think they are.....but so what. Didnt we all do things purely in the name of fashion and being 'with it' when we were young?

So is it ok for me to mention kids or is it just yourself that has that priviledge?

Originally posted by rosie
BoroughGal and Kristian while we are on the subject of poppies, two years ago my 14 year old son as he was then, actually went and sold poppies, so dont class all kids with the same brush.

Sorry, what brush am I classing your children with.....?

I was under the impression that I said that I was NEITHER AGREEING OR DISAGREEING WITH THE ARGUMENT, but that I couldn't imagine kids nagging their parents for money for a poppy. I didn't say that ALL kids are socially unaware, and that they don't have a thought about charities.

However, the top and bottom of it is that wristbands ARE classed as being fashionable amongst kids, and poppies aren't. That's not to say some kids won't give money to either one because they care, just that one thing is considered MORE fashionable by another set of kids.

Originally posted by rosie
and yes she wears wristbands, she is not a chav,

Oooh yes, and one more point. At no point have I called anyone a chav on this thread.

I think this thread needs to be closed before people start getting affended.......

... I think everyone has made their own point.

So is it ok for me to mention kids or is it just yourself that has that priviledge?

Do we all agree that this is generally considered to be an adult forum?

I was merely pointing out that the original post didn't mention kids only a certain 'type' of person. No one can deny that kids have adopted the bands as a fashion accessory......and like i said earlier.....so what!!! Surely the debate isn't about that anyway? It doesn't mean all adult wearers have taken to wearing a band as a fashion statement.

The original post was inferring that all band wears are 'Burberryites'. That is just not true. The band, to me, is purely symbolic.....i dont wear it to say to the world 'look at me, i've given to a charity'....its about solidarity and unity.

Why can't we just accept that whatever peoples reasons for wearing a band, more money is being raised for charities with them than without them? Granted there are people making non-charitable monies out of them too.....like the scumbags selling Live8 tickets on ebay.....but that's life.

I have paid endlessly to the fads which my little boy enters into for years, usually it's some cheap tat that an overpriced market seller is making an absolute killing on.

My little boy has asked questions regarding the meaning behind some of the bands, so that in itself is a good thing.

For once the money for the fad of the moment is going to charity. Isn't that a good thing???

I don't mind anyone wearing them, if it be for charity or to be a fashion victim....who cares at the end of the day the money is going to the right places.

I think that the thing that we all should be unhappy about are the market traders, shops that are selling Fake ones

Pat on the back for littleboo

Originally posted by rudeboy
Pat on the back for littleboo

Thanks rudeboy:thumbsup:

Common sense prevails, littleboo

I look at things like this (Wristbands, poppies etc.) and see it as an indicator. The people that go for stuff like this are people that need to be shown by someone else how to act, think and dress etc. It's as though they are constantly striving to fit in with the majority, regardless of the reasons why.

Maybe it's just a human thing?

Originally posted by steelcitybab
hey that cost me £2 :suspect: :hihi: Didn't they pay you to wear a SWFC wristband ?

I look at things like this (ristbands, poppies etc.) and see it as an indicator. The people that go for stuff like this are people that need to be shown by someone else how to act, think and dress etc. It's as though they are constantly striving to fit in with the majority, regardless of the reasons why.

Good point

But oh so wrong

and its Wristbands

Originally posted by Trever
I look at things like this (ristbands, poppies etc.) and see it as an indicator. The people that go for stuff like this are people that need to be shown by someone else how to act, think and dress etc. It's as though they are constantly striving to fit in with the majority, regardless of the reasons why.

Maybe it's just a human thing?

Can't agree with that one Trever :suspect:

Originally posted by rudeboy
Good point

But oh so wrong

and its Wristbands

Why oh so wrong? Please explain. I thought I was spot on with that one.

The people that go for stuff like this are people that need to be shown by someone else how to act, think and dress etc. It's as though they are constantly striving to fit in with the majority, regardless of the reasons why.

How can you make a sweeping statement like that?
You don't know me. You have no idea how i act, think or dress.
Why assume cos i wear a charity band that i 'strive' to fit in? Are you so unique yourself?

Originally posted by rudeboy
How can you make a sweeping statement like that?
You don't know me. You have no idea how i act, think or dress.
Why assume cos i wear a charity band that i 'strive' to fit in? Are you so unique yourself?

Sorry rudeboy. I didn't want to offend you. Please accept my apology.

If people have given money to a charity and got a wristband for it then thats fine, if they have bought a cheapo one off the market thats just tacky.

Personally I wouldn't wear one, the NSPCC sent me a little green dot badge thing, I don't wear that either.

peter41 I think this thread needs to be closed before people start getting affended.......

... I think everyone has made their own point.


You have got to be joking a thread started by a moderator getting closed, it's one rule for them and another for us!!!!

Originally posted by redrobbo
I've been making a list of the different wrist bands mentioned on this thread so far. They are:-

Bluebell Wood charity (light purple or light blue)
Breast cancer awareness (pink)
Beat the bully (blue)
Kick racism out of football (black & white)
Lance Armstrong (yellow)
NSPCC (?)
Make Poverty History (?)
Live Strong (?)
Sheffield Wednesday (?)
Sheffield United - Help a Hallam Child (?)


NSPCC (green)
Make Poverty History (white)
Sheffield Wednesday (blue + white)
Sheffield United - Help a Hallam Child (red + white)

in the poll vote I dont see the option

"I wear one to support charity" here, surely the MAIN reason!!


Yes, I wouldn't be seen dead in one.
No, They're a style statement for the mid noughties.
I'm not sure.
What's a wristband?

I think wristbands are the new Burberry, only in terms of people selling fake ones and people wearing them because everyone else is, and not really knowing what they're supposed to represent.

But I think if you wear it to spread awareness (like Aids ribbons, or pink Breast Cancer ribbons) and believe in the cause behind it, then fair enough.

I must admit it does do my head in though to see people wearing them all up their arm, like Chris Martin appeared to be at Live 8. I think as long as someone could explain to me what the wristband stood for and why it hit a chord with them, then fair enough. But I do take issue if someone's wearing them and they don't really know why. In that case yes they are the new Burberry.

I wear a pink one for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.... not really for a fashion statement or to advertise my support for the charity, more to remind me that I should keep training fore my walk in September.

But it also serves as a talking point with people, they ask what it is for and I explain about my 60km walk and the £2000 I'm trying to raise.

I have had made a commitment to raise funds for Breakthrough Breast Cancer and my wristband help with the fundraising and raising awareness of what I'm doing.

You can check out my fundraising page for more info..... (http://www.breakthroughweekend.org/site/TR?px=1115374&pg=personal&fr_id=1000)