How did pink become a girly color?

Summary

The video script explores how the color pink became associated with femininity, tracing its history from mixed color associations in the early 20th century to its iconic status post-World War II. Mamie Eisenhower’s love for pink during her husband's 1953 inauguration played a significant role in popularizing 'Mamie pink.' The color, once linked to traditional feminine ideals, later became a symbol of rebellion and power for women, as seen in figures like racecar driver Donna Mae Mims and pop culture references such as Grease's Pink Ladies and Hillary Clinton's portrayal in a pink jacket.

Takeaways

• 📊 In 1927, Time Magazine conducted a survey of major department stores to determine the color associations for girls' clothing.
• 👗 The responses from the survey were mixed, with no clear consensus on color.
• 📜 A 1918 catalog suggested that girls should wear blue, which was considered a delicate and dainty color.
• 👑 After World War II, pink became symbolically associated with girls, largely due to Mamie Eisenhower.
• 🎀 Mamie Eisenhower wore a rhinestone-studded pink ballgown at Dwight Eisenhower’s 1953 inauguration, popularizing the color.
• 💖 Pink was often referred to as 'Mamie pink,' and Mamie herself was known for her love of the color.
• 🎶 The song 'Think Pink' from *Funny Face* highlighted the cultural shift toward pink, marking it as a symbol of femininity post-war.
• 🏡 During this time, pink also became popular in home decor, not just in women's fashion.
• 🚗 Non-traditional women, like racecar driver Donna Mae Mims, embraced pink in bold ways, challenging conventional roles.
• 🌸 Over time, pink has evolved to represent a variety of women, from traditional figures like Mamie to empowering icons like Hillary Clinton.

Q & A

What was the purpose of the 1927 Time Magazine survey regarding department stores?

The survey aimed to determine which colors department stores associated with girls in their clothing lines, but the results were mixed.

What did a 1918 catalog suggest regarding clothing colors for girls?

The 1918 catalog suggested that little girls should wear blue because it was considered a delicate and dainty color.

When did pink start to become symbolically associated with girls and women?

Pink became symbolically associated with girls and women after World War II, particularly in the 1950s.

What role did Mamie Eisenhower play in the popularization of the color pink?

Mamie Eisenhower, during Dwight Eisenhower’s 1953 inauguration, wore a rhinestone-studded pink ballgown and became associated with the color, which was even referred to as 'Mamie pink.'

Why did Mamie Eisenhower prefer the color pink?

Mamie Eisenhower believed that pink complemented her complexion and highlighted her blue eyes.

How was pink referenced in popular culture during the 1950s?

In the 1950s, pink was highlighted in the song 'Think Pink' from the musical 'Funny Face,' where the character, based on editor Diana Vreeland, sings about how American women should embrace pink.

How did pink transition from a traditional symbol to one representing non-conformity?

While initially seen as a feminine and traditional color, pink started representing women who broke away from traditional roles, such as racecar driver Donna Mae Mims and groups like the Pink Ladies in 'Grease.'

Who is an example of a woman who used pink to challenge traditional roles?

Donna Mae Mims, a champion racecar driver, used pink for her uniform, helmet, and racecar, showing that pink could represent strength and non-traditional femininity.

How did pink evolve to represent powerful women in leadership?

Pink evolved to represent powerful women like Hillary Clinton, who was featured on the cover of People magazine in a pink jacket, symbolizing her challenge to break gender barriers in leadership.

What broader message about pink is conveyed through the script?

The script conveys that pink has evolved from a color associated with traditional femininity to one that can symbolize both traditional and non-traditional women, shaping perceptions of their personalities and capabilities.