www.incontinentsupport.org

How is it possible that this isn't a topic here yet?

Depend has launched a new campaign https://www.underwareness.com/ aimed at increasing awareness about just how widespread a problem incontinence is. They're trying to show that people you would never suspect of wearing incontinence products are actually all around us. Half (or more) are under 50.

I think the goal is admirable and the campaign is incredibly brave. Unfortunately, since they're asking people to "out" themselves as incontinent or, worse, "diaper wearers," I don't think they'll succeed. Worst of all, they're asking people to post pictures of themselves in Depend products. Not gonna happen.

This effort reminds me of how the gay and lesbian community pushed for acceptance. They outed themselves and each other and had parades that showed everyday folks that they were everywhere. They were your friends, your neighbors, your sons and daughters, and this eventually succeeded.

But incontinence is different. Being gay is part of who you are; incontinence is an infirmity. If you're going to include people in your life, you need to share yourself with them, and be honest about things like who you want to spend your life with. I feel little desire to share the fact that I wear absorbent underwear.

I get where Depend is coming from, and I know that everyone here would love to live in a world in which incontinence products were "just another kind of underwear." But that's just not the world we live in.

-RMS

I saw this yesterday, and I was stunned. My first (and continuing) reaction was "How absurd!", and "This can't be for real." It comes across as an unkind joke or DL exhibitionism. Surely there are ways to get the mainstream public's attention that are much more dignified and have a bit more gravitas. I think you're right, RMS. No one is going to out him/herself, especially in such a ridiculous manner.

Wetters

I think you're right, Wetters. I think a lot of people will see this as undignified and this will die on the vine. Their $1 for charity every time you post a picture of yourself in diaper for all the world to see thing just isn't going to have much of a draw. I think this campaign will prove that it is possible to be bold and brave and completely wrong.

-RMS

I come from Scotland, across the Atlantic from the USA and over here I can't even see such a campaign even starting! The trouble is that whilst incontinence is a disability, or a symptom of a disability, it isn't the same as mainstream things like wheelchairs, artificial limbs and glasses. Here in Scotland I met someone I hadn't seen for a while and he joked about my hearing aid (I only got it last year) and deafness is still funny here. Can you imagine how funny wearing nappies (whoops, sorry, diapers) would be?

Agreed. No way. I will remain in the "closet" - by choice.

Depend's rather idealistic goal, while commendable, is doomed to failure. The ignorance and social stigma concerning the topic just runs too deep. On the other hand, it probably will gain them considerable publicity and some free advertising for their products.

--John

I agree with what everyone has said so far. I think their heart is in the right place and its a wonderful concept, but like already said, not very realistic. I think what will end this run, right fast and in a hurry will be all the freaks that will come out of the woodwook. I am sure when they asked people for pictures of them in protection, I doubt they meant in ONLY their protection but I am sure you can see where this will go. Last year, I put my hat in the ring for a Real Story video but backed out at the last minute. I admired want they were doing but just couldn't bring myself to put my face out there. Espically seeing there was no idea how and where they would use my image.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!

I just went to the depend site and I am just about speechless. WOW. All I can say. I thought the post of a picture in just a diaper was out of context. Wow, speechless.

RMS, you certainly have a talent for initiating lively and thought-provoking conversations!! Right on!

Wetters

I have been incontinent for many years, and over that time my wife, friends and family have taken my picture too numerous times to count. And I was wearing protection of some sort for every one of those pictures. But I was also wearing jeans or slacks, perhaps a shirt and/or a jacket or sweater. Although I wish KC success in their effort to de-stigmatize the wearing of incontinence protection, I no longer belong to their website, which, I think, would have been the better place to begin to deal with the stigma.

Well from outing yourself on Facebook to your friends and family, to now underwareness. All I can say is good luck. Heck, I will send them 5 dollars instead of my picture, than again they are a corporation who can put on their on campaign so I will keep my money. My wife knows I have to wear them, but she doesn't know how often I have accidents nor does she need to know.

I agree with you Rope, I never knew about AB/DL people until I had to start searching for what was happening to me and just can't imagine someone wanting to wear them when it is so hot outside just because they want too. Feel sorry to the picture screeners, you know they are wondering "why did we ask people to send pictures?"

--John[/quote]