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Why the Blue Circle?
I can’t quite remember who asked me, but in front of San Francisco City Hall last Friday evening, during our World Diabetes Day celebrations, somebody pointed to my pin and asked, “Why the blue circle, anyway? What does that mean?”
They also wanted to know why the logo didn’t have the world “diabetes” stamped across it: “Who’s going to recognize that this stands for diabetes?!”
For goodness’ sake, it’s supposed to be like the ubiquitous pink ribbon for breast cancer, red ribbon for AIDS, or yellow ribbon for bring-home-the-troops. Setting the issue of why it’s blue and a circle aside for a moment, can’t we all agree that a symbol that speaks for itself is better than having to pin the word “DIABETES” on your lapel?
I was especially surprised to discover that folks from the local chapter of the ADA (American Diabetes Association) weren’t at all familiar with the blue circle campaign. I sort of forgave them for it last year, since it was still very new then, but now I’m thinking that that group — and this country at large, which doesn’t play up World Diabetes Day a fraction as much as the rest of the world — may be suffering from some classic “not invented here syndrome.” When you go to the ADA’s website right now, for example, you see “American Diabetes Month,” but nada on WDD.
I hereby proclaim this Call to Action for next year’s WDD: Let’s do it up, right, America! And that means you, ADA! And that means you, Mainstream Media! This awareness campaign is gaining traction, with the likes of T1 rockstar Nick Jonas on board, but it seems like we have a long way to go to catch up with the Brits, the Germans, or the Australians, for example.
And now for the Why Blue? And Why a Circle?
I know from my previous research that this symbol was the brainchild of Kari Rosenfeld of the International Diabetes Foundation (IDF) and her daughter Clare back in 2006, when the IDF was campaigning for United Nations Resolution on diabetes (which they got, btw.) The blue color is meant to evoke the color of the sky, and the circle is a symbol of unity.
You can now read the official explanation of the international “Unite for Diabetes” symbol here.
“The colour blue reflects the sky
that unites all nations and is the colour of the United Nations flag.
The blue circle signifies the unity of the global diabetes community in
response to the diabetes pandemic.”
And also, from “What’s with the blue circle?”:
“A simple blue circle because of the circle’s frequent occurrence in nature and because myriad cultures over time have used the circle to symbolize life, mother earth and health. The unbreakable unity it represents mirrors the global diabetes community …”
How beautiful. Let’s get even more unbreakable next year, K?
Explore posts in the same categories: D-News Examined, Miscellaneous
Where, pray tell, can I get one of these pins?
Posted by: Elijah M | November 19th, 2008 at 9:06 amI wore my blue circle pin (from Sara) that just says “Cure” on it. It was actually great because most people would ask what it means. Then I had the opportunity to talk about Diabetes and hopefully raise awareness.
I say no “diabetes” across the logo. I like having to explain it.
great post Amy.
Posted by: George | November 19th, 2008 at 9:35 amI was very disappointed in the lack of media coverage for WDD. I think that it is horrible that it is Diabetes Awareness Month AND it was WDD and I didn’t see one mention of it on the news.
Posted by: Cara | November 19th, 2008 at 11:35 amElijah M: the pins may be purchased through the World Diabetes Day website, http://www.worlddiabetesday.org They are sold in packs of 10, and the online shopping cart will convert the cost from Euros to US dollars. The 2-5 business day turnaround is accurate.
Posted by: tmana | November 19th, 2008 at 11:36 amApparently the folks at JDRF and ADA in Philly didn’t know anything about WDD until the doctor who organized the Philly event called them to ask them to participate. The absolute saddest part is that ADA is actually a member of IDF, and they still don’t recognize WDD. It’s mind-blowing, really.
Posted by: Lee Ann Thill | November 19th, 2008 at 11:56 amGreat post. Glad someone clarified the meaning for those who were unaware.
Thanks
Posted by: Chris | November 19th, 2008 at 12:05 pmDear Amy,
Please allow me to correct the history books once again. The blue circle was created by Alain Baute and Phil Riley of the International Diabetes Federation. Clare and I brought the concept of a UN Resolution to IDF in 2003. The UN Resolution was the springboard for the ‘Unite for Diabetes’ campaign which launched the blue circle as a global emblem for diabetes.
I am tremendously proud to have played a part in the ‘Unite for Diabetes’ campaign which led to the successful passage of the UN Resolution but please, let’s give credit where credit is due. Our hats are off to Alain and Phil for their fantastic creativity in bringing the blue circle to the world and to the entire World Diabetes Day team who continue to create and stage this amazing global campaign to raise awareness for diabetes.
Best,
Posted by: Kari Rosenfeld | November 19th, 2008 at 1:37 pmKari and Clare Rosenfeld
On my gmail screen last Friday, there was a little headline in the corner pertaining to WDD: “how inactivity can lead to diabetes.” Just what I love to see, as a type 1.
Posted by: Lauren | November 19th, 2008 at 2:55 pmtmana: Thanks for the link, although I find it odd that they’re only available from Europe, and in packs of ten. When all is said and done, I’d be spending $43 for a pin (because as nice as it would be to hand these out to my family and friends, I really just want one). I think we’d see a lot more visibility if they were readily available here.
Posted by: Elijah M | November 19th, 2008 at 8:55 pmCase in point, Elijah! Why can’t we get them for 3 bucks or so from the ADA? They’d still be making a huge profit for their fund-raising efforts and all.
Posted by: AmyT | November 19th, 2008 at 11:12 pmHowdy Amy. Followed your link over from DiabeticConnect. [jayabee52] Great article BTW! In some of the discussion responses {I don’t remember which} people were asking about the blue silicone bracelet for diabetes. Is that a mistake, or a misunderstanding of some kind?
Posted by: james | November 5th, 2009 at 12:59 am