Rhetorical Analysis Of The Plastic Pink Flamingo: A Natural History
Jennifer Price discusses the relationship between pink flamingos in a lighthearted tone. She is trying to bring attention to American materialism during the 1950’s.
Price immediately displays her sarcastic tone when she titles her essay “The Plastic Pink Flamingo : A Natural History”. It is ironic since Price portrays a small piece of pink plastic as something which has shaped the world in a huge way. For most readers with a high education, this might seem absurd. But that is precisely what the writer wants: to help the reader understand the inequalities of this plastic piece as a social symbol. Price also emphasizes the tourist “flocking” Florida and leaving with souvenirs made of flamingos. In this instance, Price illustrates how the flamingo has become “synonymous” with wealth. Price continues her irony-sarcastic tone when discussing the two divergent ideas. In particular, Price acknowledges that flamingos were once looked down upon and threatened with extinction. Price mentions the popularity of flamingos in 1950s America after this sentence. These ideas seem to contradict one another, which is why Price uses irony and a simile to express her views on flamingos in American society. In American society, the flamingo is an unwelcome presence. Price continues to mention pink and its many exciting shades. The color is not a significant one, but it has been made a social norm in America: “Washing machines and cars,” Price said. This has led to a new level of idolization that Price believes has never been possible. Florida restaurants and businesses of all kinds were considered “like a string of semiotic sprouts” in 1950s America. They implemented flamingos every day as if it was an important factor in their business’ success.
Jennifer Price’s essay may only be a portion of the entire story. American adoration and love for the pink Flamingo is therefore indicative of American pop cultural foolishness.
