Criticism of Preconceived Female Roles in "Pink Think," by Lynn Peril

In her essay "Pink Think," Lynn Peril explains and criticizes “Pink Think” roles by showing that the world has changed and now women have more roles than ever before. With her argument, Lynn Peril describes the preconception of female, how feminine ideal affects women’s life, as well as claims that “Pink Think” or those prejudices should be modified.

From the beginning, Lynn Peril illustrates situations in which women have to deal with a bunch of admonitions to become more feminine and good-natured. And these tips are not just some other normal tips; they become famous and being rulers to evaluate the dignity of women. Then, the author goes on to relate her real “Pink Think” experience throughout her life and express her strong feelings, “I formed an early aversion to all things pink and girly” (Peril, 280). She also fleer some girls who feign innocence and pretend to look as if butter would not melt in their mouth.

Furthermore, Peril depicts some byword examples of “Pink Think," such as the description of the proper way to put on a bathing suit from former Miss America Jacque Mercer, the supporting conceit in Ladies’ Home Journal of Betsy Martin McKinney, or the surprised story in the competition for the title of Miss America 1961, in order to elucidate what “Pink Think” is. So, Pink Think is like a traditional thought and preconception about women who all have not to go beyond the framework of women’s right manners, and have to be at home, be a wife and a mother. Pink think, as well as feminine ideal are considered as the constitutions of proper female behavior.

Lynn Peril further mentions about the period of prosperous development of pink think during the 1940s to 1960s. In those years, pink think was considered as the obvious...

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...y to put on a bathing suit from former Miss America Jacque Mercer or Ladies’ Home Journal of Betsy Martin McKinney, etc.. Furthermore, to make her essay more enjoyable, Peril did not use formal or polished voice, but a common parlance and included some humor, too. To illustrate, she depicted, “a woman who fears mice isn’t necessarily following the dictates of pink think. On the other hand, a woman who isn’t afraid of mice but pretends to be because she thinks such helplessness adds to her appearance of femininity is toeing the pink think party line” (Peril, 282). It would totally make me roar with laughter. It was extremely hard to say no when laughing. Therefore, by using funny anecdotes, the author has earned my attentions and assents. Lynn Peril chose an intelligent choice to make me go with her, and object the way of thinking about feminine ideal and pink think.