Rubber bracelets, sometimes called silicone bracelets, engraved silicone bracelets, cause bracelets, gel bracelets or Livestrong bracelets, are thick rubber or silicone bands that were popularized by the Lance Armstrong Foundation. The Lance Armstrong Foundation had "Livestrong" printed on the bracelets and sold them to raise cancer awareness. Following the popularity of Livestrong bracelets, other organizations have jumped on board, creating their own bracelets to raise money and awareness for different causes. Each cause is usually represented by a different color.
History
In May 2004, the Livestrong bracelet was launched by Nike and its advertising agency, Wieden+Kennedy. The yellow bracelets were sold for $1.00 each, as part of the Lance Armstrong Foundation's "Wear Yellow, Live Strong" campaign.
Getting Rubber Bracelets Made
Some suppliers may be better than others when deciding to purchase rubber bracelets in large quantities. You should be able to choose the color and imprint on the bracelet. Keep in mind that many colors are already associated with organizations, so you may want to choose a unique color to avoid having your awareness bracelets confused with another cause. You should not pay more than 20 to 50 cents per bracelet if you are purchasing in bulk, especially if you are going to sell the bracelets for $1.00 a piece.
Causes
Many charities and causes are associated with a specific color and choose to use that color when purchasing awareness bracelets. The Livestrong bracelet is a bright yellow color, so many people now associate that particular yellow color with the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Other colors associated with specific causes and organizations include pink for breast cancer, green for kidney donation, red and blue for epilepsy, blue and white for Hurricane Katrina, and red for AIDS prevention.
Many charities and causes are associated with a specific color and choose to use that color when purchasing awareness bracelets. The Livestrong bracelet is a bright yellow color, so many people now associate that particular yellow color with the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Other colors associated with specific causes and organizations include pink for breast cancer, green for kidney donation, red and blue for epilepsy, blue and white for Hurricane Katrina, and red for AIDS prevention.
Misconceptions
It has been rumored, according to Snopes.com, that high school and middle school students wear rubber bracelets that, depending on color, determine which sex acts they are willing to participate in. This is not a proven theory and the colors rumored to represent specific sex acts vary from story to story. Although there is no standard code that these rumors exist under, you may want to proceed with caution before allowing your son or daughter to wear these bracelets to school. According to Snopes.com, there are no specifics as to which schools or which students have been found participating in these acts as a result of wearing specific bracelets.
It has been rumored, according to Snopes.com, that high school and middle school students wear rubber bracelets that, depending on color, determine which sex acts they are willing to participate in. This is not a proven theory and the colors rumored to represent specific sex acts vary from story to story. Although there is no standard code that these rumors exist under, you may want to proceed with caution before allowing your son or daughter to wear these bracelets to school. According to Snopes.com, there are no specifics as to which schools or which students have been found participating in these acts as a result of wearing specific bracelets.
Warning
Do not wear these bracelets if you have a rubber or silicone allergy. Rubber bracelets are a choking hazard and should not be worn or given to children under the age of four. If you have a child in high school or middle school, you may want to ask them their reason for wearing a specific colored rubber bracelet, and make sure the reasons are aligned with a cause rather than a sex act. Rubber bracelets will eventually crack or break over time.
Do not wear these bracelets if you have a rubber or silicone allergy. Rubber bracelets are a choking hazard and should not be worn or given to children under the age of four. If you have a child in high school or middle school, you may want to ask them their reason for wearing a specific colored rubber bracelet, and make sure the reasons are aligned with a cause rather than a sex act. Rubber bracelets will eventually crack or break over time.
Written by Lindsay Champion
