[Phpwomen] PHPWomen Merchandise: Good Idea?

[Elizabeth M Smith]

> Just a few comments about reinforcing 'girly' stereotypes in a group's
> emblem.
> 
> * Pink: This has been the stereotyped 'girl colour' since around
> WWII[0]. Not all girls like pink, and some girls and women will get
> quite offended if it's suggested they wear it, let alone be represented
> by it.
> 
> * Make up, nail polish: Some girls and women do not wear make up or nail
> polish as they not feeling comfortable about having to alter their
> appearance to be accepted, or resent the idea that they are expected to
> decorate themselves for the viewing pleasure of men.
> 
> * Bows: Without the lipstick, the bow on Ms Pacman would make her look
> like a 5 year old. (With the lipstick, she looks like those 50 year old
> women you see in the mall with caked-on makeup, wearing the latest tween
> fashions)
> 
> * Jewellery: Of all the girly stereotypes, this is probably the least
> girly one. Jewellery such as rings, chains and piercings are commonplace
> for both genders.
> 
> The Gnome Women project had the dilemma where their members did not feel
> like they'd be taken seriously if they used such stereotypes[1].
> Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to make a footprint girly,
> without resorting to nail polish, high-heels, flowers or jewellery, and
> afaik they ended up not getting anywhere.
> 
> Personally, I would react unfavourably to a pink or made-up elePHPant.
> It just would not speak to me at all.
> 
> Taking the above into account, what I would react well to would be a
> chain or leather thread around the elePHPant's neck, with a little
> female emblem pendant. You could even do this *separately*, for the
> existing elePHPants! Just get the chain/thread size right, and voila!

And quite frankly I would find THIS offensive - to each their own I
guess.  I find it silly to walk on eggshells all over the place to not
offend this group or that group.  You won't find something that makes
everyone happy.

Thanks,
Elizabeth Smith