Pushing for Pink: The Flamingo Craze

Americans are people that keep up with the latest trends in style and technology that overflows are pop cultured world, and we love every minute of it. Perhaps for a sense of comfort, or even just to fit in, "whats hot" often gets carried away into an unhealthy pandemic. The essay, "The Plastic Pink Flamingo: A Natural History" recalls time's past craze, and what it says about Americans today.

Around the early-mid 1900's, travelers from the sunny state of Florida had come home with all sorts of things: new clothes, a great pair of sunglasses, and- a flamingo? According to Jennifer Price, the author of the article, she states that, the bird had become a symbol of luxury, and pizzazz. The Flamingo, Miami Beach's first grand hotel, created the fun filled idea of having the beautiful Flamingo as their symbol of "whats the new thing" in the hottest city in America. Eventually, other hotels decided to use this logo and it was a huge success. Many people loved the idea, and it spreaded across the country with the perception of the latest must have on your front lawn, your refrigerator door, and even your home appliances! Flashy things definitely attract people, I must say. Soon, companies started to make the flamingos in fun, neon type colors that attracted the human eye. Everyone was sucked into the Flamingo Era and who wouldn't want to be? Even Elvis had a pink Cadillac. But when does a frenzy gets out of control?

I believe that Jennifer Price wrote this article to show that Americans follow the latest trends, but most of the time, they go too far. We can compare this past-time logo, to the logo we are presently familar with- the Jordan sign. Jordans? I got them, my friends have them, people at school have them, and I'm sure everybody and their momma has them, too. Micheal Jordan has made a huge name for himsef throughout the entire world. But is this stuff even necessary? According to the Associated Press, the average amount of money spent on Jordan sneakers is around 130 dollars on average. Do you know what we can buy with that?! Perhaps some groceries for your house. Maybe a payment for your credit card. Or even money for school stuff needed, like supplies, and activity fees. These are all important factors that are more crucial than gym shoes. Many people forget what's important in life, and that is what Jennifer Price explains through her essay. Yeah, I just bought some a few months ago. But I can't even wear them everywhere without the fear of getting them messed up! Trends are fun, and you do get alot of attention, but trends go way too far sometimes, and it needs to be addressed.

Now looking back, the flamingo has been a great trend that represented how cool you were, a piece of luxury, and the sort of pizzazz to spice up your lawn. But what happens if you supported that trend now? Would be cheesy, and unclassy, wouldn't it. Trends come and go, but the necessities doesnt. So next time you're trying to keep up with the latest iMac, or "look", don't overdo it- because what you might think is nothing, can lead up to a great pandemic of you losing money for the more important things in life.