Why Pink?

I adore pink! Why? I really don't know. I just do. This is what I have posted on the home page of my web site:

Girly Girl: A slang term for a girl or woman who chooses to dress and behave in a traditionally feminine style, such as wearing pink or floral dresses, blouses and skirts, wearing make-up, talking about relationships and other activities which are associated with the traditional gender role of a girl. In addition to wearing feminine clothing and cosmetics, people may sometimes stereotype someone as a "girly girl" for decorating (whether it be their room or the clothing they wear) with a lot of pink.

Ok - so that means that Pink is for Girls (like blue is for boys). But that seems so trite and tied to today's society norms. All that tells me is that I buy into that norm because I love Pink.

So I went to Wikipedia to see if there is any historical reference. How about this!

"Pink in Gender" - In Western culture, the practice of assigning pink to an individual gender began in the 1920s. From then until the 1940s, pink was considered appropriate for boys because being related to red it was the more masculine and decided color, while blue was considered appropriate for girls because it was the more delicate and dainty color, or related to the Virgin Mary. Since the 1940s, the societal norm apparently inverted so that pink became appropriate for girls and blue appropriate for boys, a practice that has continued into the 21st century.

Isn't that incredible? I never knew that.

Other modern references include:

Though the color pink has sometimes been associated with gender stereotypes, some feminists have sought to reclaim it. For example, the Swedish radical feminist party Feminist Initiative and the American activist women's group Code Pink: Women for Peace use pink as their color.

The pink ribbon is the international symbol of breast cancer awareness. Pink was chosen partially because it is so strongly associated with femininity.

It has been suggested that females prefer pink because of a preference for reddish things like ripe fruits and healthy faces

I also like these references:

Pink (Victoria's Secret) is a line of loungeware clothing.

Mary Kay in 1968, Mary Kay Ash, purchased the first Pink Cadillac, which eventually became the trademark of her company.

Mattel's Barbie line often displays pink prominently on packaging and other goods.

A pink lady is an alcoholic beverage made with gin and grenadine syrup and may include other ingredients. A pink squirrel is made of white creme de cacao, creme de noyaux and cream.

So why do I love pink so? After writing this I realize it is because I look so good and feel so pretty in pink! Besides, Pink is for girls!

Love
Andrea Nicole Baker