Pink Think

Lynn Peril discusses and defines a concept she calls pink think using several different defining techniques. Firstly, she defines pink think using the formal, dictionary definition as, “a set of ideas and attitudes about what constitutes proper female behavior”. She then goes on to define pink think by citing several different examples, such as when she explains that when a woman acts scared of mice to make herself appear more feminine, she falls prey to pink think.

I think Peril defined a concept that is still in operation today, because ‘proper female behavior’ is still a subject that still looms in society for women to compare themselves to. We as a class have been discussing the ‘perfect’ idealized woman and how that concept has permeated American society. I believe that the image of perfection is part of pink think, and another example of pink think in today’s society is the double standard concerning one night stands. If a man sleeps around, no red flags are raised, but if a woman follows the exact same pattern of behavior, she has demeaning and ugly names attached to her.

The power pink think has on American women reveals itself in the number of eating disorders in today’s society, because it defines how a woman should be and leaves little room for differences. It forces women into a box of femininity and meekness, and is often cruel when a woman refuses to adhere to its rules.

Chick think is something that is influenced heavily by pink think. It is a stereotypical type of thinking that focuses on looks. The stereotypical chick is often the girl with a very intricate hairstyle, complete with fashionable clothes and make-up. Girls who associate themselves with chick think are characterized as not being very smart, who also can be ruthless and unkind to their peers. Chick think is all about fitting in and trying to stay with the pack.

One can tell that chick think affects the way girls think and behave by visiting any high school. The girls there are at a crucial point in their lives and are searching for an identity to define themselves by, and one of the easiest identities to attach to is chick think. For instance, when a girl decides that she would rather wear a slutty outfit that makes her feel uncomfortable, but helps her fit in with the other girls is an example of chick think. It is a sort of ruthless pack mentality that often pushes girls to do things far earlier than they are comfortable with.