OK--once again, I'm first; now, if anybody makes an "age before beauty" crack, they are condemned to a lifetime of "DUDS" whenever they date!
 I got the impression during class today that not many of my classmates are enjoying "Pink Think" as much as I am. Maybe sometimes it's true that "you woulda had to have been there" in order to fully appreciate something. Reading this book really brings back a lot, and although as I stated earlier I never really fell for all the crapola, it's really eye-opening and refreshing to me to see that many young girls/young women/now adult women of my era were/are feeling the same way as I did about this stuff. I only wish that as a child I had known other girls who felt the same way, because although I stayed true to myself, at times it was quite lonely--not to mention infuriating.
 But enough of my nostalgia. I am ending this particular entry with a very somber, somewhat profound observation:
 All kidding aside, it is a marvel that women as a gender, collectively and generally speaking, have been able to overcome the stereotypical suppression and come as far as we have--not to say that there isn't a long way to go yet, but in view of how we were made to feel so subordinate and helpless, so --PINK-- I say "You GO, girl!" to all who came before me and helped me add my own fuel to that same illuminating torch.

I am having mixed feelings about the book "Pink Think." At first, I felt that it was an easy and enjoyable read. Now that I am into the fifth chapter, I keep finding myself looking to see how many pages are left until the end of the chapter. It is now a bit redundant and monotonous. Nonetheless, it is very interesting. There are certain things that just blow my mind, that people could write these things with such firm conviction, and actually spread this view of femininity so thick over the culture that we still struggle with some of these issues today. i guess that Kathy is right, it's kind of a "You had to be there" sort of thing- for if this book revolved around cultural phenomena of the 80's, I would probably be much more interested. Still, this book is providing me with a huge explanation why my mother's generation is the way it is. I would love to think that with our generation, we can squash Pink Think. But, I think it is a strong possibility that maybe (although it is different now) it might even be worse these days...

When reading "Pink Think" I felt it was somewhat over the top, but I still feel that that was almost necessary to get the point across and allow us to realize that this still goes on today. I was amazed at first when reading the different articles, but then slowly began to realize that only the wording was different, these things are still prevelent today. I know that womens rights have come a long way, and that things are slowly changing, but I cannot help but think that some of this will just never change (or at least not in my life time). I agree with Jeni that it helps me to understand my mom's experiences growing up, but then I wonder why she raised me to be so independent. I can clean, but I certainly cannot cook, or do many other "Pink Think" type things, the so-called women's work. I think the most shocking thing when reading this is that most of this pink image actually came from women. And if it did not originate with them, it certainly was advanced by them, and that just baffles me. Honestly, I am so happy that I am growing up in the generation I am in.

Well, I am going to have to agree with Kathy because I am really enjoying Pink Think. This is the second time I have read it, and I can honestly say that Peril's snide and sarcastic comments make me laugh out loud. During my childhood, my mother was constantly trying to get me to be more "feminine". She bought me numerous Barbie dolls and an easy bake oven which I proceeded to use to melt my Barbies. I guess at that time I didn't really realize what I was doing, but now I know it was my way of rejecting all the stereotypical girly things that my mother was trying to shove down my throat. So whether or not I was growing up at the time that Peril is drawing most of her information from, I don't think makes a huge difference because I was still affected... just in a more indirect manner. Overall, I truely am enjoying Pink Think and am looking forward to reading the rest of our books.

I definately agree with Whitney in that this particular book might be a bit over the top in some of its projections and assumptions it makes towards women and feminity in general. I also want to point out the fact, which I believe this comment was made in class, that this biggest fault of this book is that it assumes that there is one specific way of becoming a woman, however, all of us know this is completely untrue. After all if we did all subscribe to this art the book calls, "femininity," then we would all be caught inside the color pink.

I have to agree with those who have posted before me. I'm not enjoying "Think Pink" as much as some of the other books. What is funny though, is I remember the Mystery Date game and the Easy Bake oven. I actually owned an Easy Bake myself. I also have to agree that Think Pink is not, for me, is not considering the flip side of what the author and women and men of that day consider to be feminine. This book has been an eye opener for me though. I also agree that although the packaging is different, the idea of Think Pink is still prevelent today. What is good is that in today's society, we have more women who are not fitting and playing up to the stereotypical role of woman. As I stated in class, I have always been an independent person and if I want something done, I don't have to rely on a man to get the job done. I can shovel the snow, mow the lawn and take out the garbage for myself. We are finding that more men are peforming what's considered the the "womens work" at home and they are not belittled or looked down on. I still have some chapters to read but I do agree with Whitney that although womens rights have come a long way that some things will never change. I will say that this class and the readings are confirmation and also more fighting power in letting me know that I am teaching my daughter the right way. GO WOMEN!!

First of all, Bonnie, I think that it is hilarious that you used your Easy-Bake Oven to melt your Barbie dolls! Oh, the irony! It has taken me awhile to get into Pink Think. Like Jeni said, I am just from a different era. With single-parent households becoming more prevalent, it is just becoming necessary for kids to learn the ins and outs of cooking and caring for themselves. It took me a few days to break my paradigm and realize that this book is not discouraging kids to learn how to cook and care for themselves (which I interpret as becoming self sufficient) but it is critiquing a cultural phenomenon which has historically forced women to assume the task of caretaker to treat men as the "King-Emperor" of the home (158). For example, do you guys remember the part on page 129 which discussed the idea for National Celebration of Womanhood Day? Helen Anderlin describes this day as the day that women would "wear her most frilly, feminine, dress...serve her husband breakfast in bed and 'tell him how great he is" (129). Well, this doesn't sound like a party to me; it sounds like hell. And...according to some of the other passages in the book, I don't see how that day would really differ from what was expected everyday...

I fully agree with Whitney and Jeni in their responses to "Pink Think." I was at first amused at the author's antics and delivery of the material, but I soon found a lacking element of something deeper within the text. I am not sure if the application of theory would help, but at least some kind of solution to the "pink think" way of life. I felt that the book was dated and biased, but like Jeni and Whitney, I began to realize that these things do prevail today for all women in a most drastic way. I agree that their have been great milestones in women's plight for 'freedom' and basic rights, but with the continued prescence of many "pink think" mantras, I have to ask "how far have we really come?" and "who can be the proper judge of that?" I think a big indicator of women's success in society at large is in the workforce. There are finally options for women- to work or stay at home- and both should be valued equally. I think people are beginning to see the insurmountable talent and capacities that women bring to the table, but discriminations of all people still exist. And, the biggest ambiguity that lies within women is the constantly changing roles of them. Women want to be confident, assertive and respected, but at what price. Do they have to forgo their femininity to do so? And what exactly is femininity by today's standards? I think of myself as a feminine woman, but I am also very dominant in my personality. Is it still wrong to want to reaffirm my female-ness in (what may be reminiscent of) "pink think" ways. There is so much more knowledge available to women- I think if they embrace it, some of these things that women still practice that are considered "pink think" will be claimed as our own and turned around to no longer be a sign of oppression. After all, the French may have arbitrarily assigned pink as a female color as a fad, but is it not true that all fads die at some point? I think this will fade big time. However, until that time, I believe if all human beings make a strive for these changes, then big change can and will happen.

Having now finished this book, I really enjoyed it, even though I do agree that it was lacking in depth. Continuing our discussion from class today, I find it difficult to get to a happy medium. As a woman, I think the feminist movement has placed us in a somewhat difficult position. How do we manage to be intelligent, confident, successful women and still embrace our femininity. Can I become a lawyer and wear a pink shirt under my black suit to court without criticism for what it may embrace? I always worry about being a family person and a mom, but still wanting to balance a career. Does anyone else feel the need to choose between the two? I feel like it will be hard to do both well at the same time.

Edited by author 02-09-2004 11:57 PM
Though many of the topics were somewhat foreign to me due to a lack of personal experience, I definitely learned a lot from the class discussions. I'm sure I could have chimed in a little more but I got a lot more out of the stories shared and personal experiences. Back to the book, though some said it lacked a little bit of depth and substance, to me it was a smorgasbord of new things to add to my repertoir. I never realized how powerful the color pink was until this book. Regarding the short discussion on all girl schools, I don't feel at all that they try to form their students into a culturally accepted female mold. Going to an all guys school, we mainly hung out w/ girls from the all girls schools. What I enjoyed the most about these girls was that they were raw, outgoing, wore zero makeup, and were confident. But when it was time for a formal dance they looked phenominal, proving they were just as fun and attractive prissied up as they were dressed down. Maybe that was just my and my friends' observations due to spending the whole week together and seeing how scrubbish and unattractive we were.

Pink Think is very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very very very, very, very, repetitive. Do you get the idea that one very would have been enough? Thats the same way I feel about the book. Although I did enjoy reading some of the examples, and the book was definitely not the worst book I have ever read, the author could have accomplished it all in one chapter. I also feel that the ideas of the past about women have changed dramatically. There may be a few individuals who act this way, but I do not know any. My stepmother is a career women, and my dad does all the cooking and 1'2 of the housework. My best friend and his wife are both in education and she is in administration, he does all of the housework and cooking. As I have said before, my wife is the bread winner in our family and I do the "1950's womens work in our house".
I have learned from alot from the different perspectives in class, and I can understand if the subjects of the book effected you while growing up, but I would venture to say, that for the majority of the class it has not. I can't remember who said it, but someone mentioned how servers always bring the man the check. To me, that is knit-picky. I don't mind who the bill is handed to or paid by. I am not trying to offend anyone, so please do not pumble me with tampons as I enter the room! I just feel that the type of degrading and lowering of women is not happening as once it was. Women today have the same oppurtunities as men, with the exception of those backwards living indivduals who are trying to hold on to the throne. I say step aside, and the way to change those individuals thoughts is through education.

After reading over that first proposal I noticed a couple things about their organization that were appealing. In section five, the evaluation, TWC states that "success is measured by positive behavioral change both within the group setting and at home." I feel this falls under our category of not targeting just women and/ or girls. I believe they are saying that the girls are taught to bring positivity everywhere they go (e.g. home, school, etc.) and not just when they are around other females or instructors. They also stated that "parents are consulted regarding behavioral change, improvement in school work, and growth in self-esteem," which shows us that these girls are progressing. And even if they are not receiving recognition at home for their achievements, they are getting it at TWC. TWC seems like it promotes high self esteem at an early age and that may be the perfect time to enforce it. I am impressed with this group's promptness and organization skills. It seems like they have their stuff together. And I am interested in seeing how other organizations compare to TWC.

Jason, I am going to agree with you on your dinner comment.I have a bunch of friends who get upset with a guy when he doesn't pick up the check. Most of the time I see servers set the bill in the middle of both people.
As for Pink Think, I think that it has made me appreciate the things that I have today. I have said this before, though there are still hurdles that we need to jump over, we have still come a very long way.

 Like everyone else, I did defiantly notice that Pink Think was regurgitated many of its points. However, it did give me some things to think about. I am not old enough to remember any of the ads mentioned in the book but I know that it had some type of impact on my family (although not as overtly as the author mentions in the book). I never even noticed the impact until I read this book. I mentioned the whole Lysol thing in class and how I was convinced that it was some old wives’ tale that my grandmother made up. Its weird how a lot of the experiences that women had to go through aren’t really talked about. After reading this book, I was having a conversation about it with my mother. She had no idea about douching with Lysol and thought my granny made it all up too. During the conversation, I said, “I feel so bad for those women who had to wear those belts for menstruation”. She said,” what do you mean, I was one of those women”. My mother and I are very open with each other but I had no idea that pads did not exist for her. I guess that is not something you really think of to talk about, “Hey those belts sure were uncomfortable when I was growing up”. It sounds silly but talking about such things are so important because it shows the past generations how far women have come. That is why I can appreciate the book b/c it sparks conversation. It makes the reader want to do more and find out more in order to change society at least that is what I think the authors purpose was. She was very vague about some things and complexly ignored other points of view all together but it was a starting point.Sorry for this beign so late.

after reading, pink think, i found myself a bit alarmed. there just seems to be an arsenal of negative propaganda that the media perpetuates to women. i found that as i read this book there were many things that i was taught that were very similar to pink think. within my household it has always been ingrained into my head of how to be a lady, that there were different ways to act and that somebehavior was fine for boys but not for girls. there are also different household tasks that i was allowed to do and those that i wasnt, one examle of somethng i was not allowed to do was cut the grass. my grandmother always thought that was going to cut myself, or some horrendous accident would occur. however she would let my cousin tom who s a year younger than me cut the grass. i think that pink think is still very much a dominant force in a woman's life, and its hard sometimes to get away from these ridiculous ideals.