The Pink Flamingo A Natural History Rhetorical Analysis

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In Jennifer Price’s essay, “The Pink Flamingo: A Natural History” she uses rhetorical devices to reveal her view of the United States culture. While at first glance pink flamingos and the American culture seem to have no correlation; Price’s uses of rhetorical strategies help craft her essay and reveal the deeper meaning she embedded in writing to draw similarities between the two.
One rhetorical strategy that Price implements in her essay is symbolism. According to Price, the “pink flamingo” perfectly symbolizes the American culture. The pink, plastic bird represents wealth and harmony. In the 1930’s the flamingo made it’s initial “splash” at Miami Beach – where a grand hotel was named the Flamingo Hotel – this was where the pink bird gained its symbol of “wealth and pizzazz.” For many decades following, the bird became very popular across the United …show more content…
The “plastics industries” produced the plastic lawn ornament in various “hot pink” hues, instead of its natural bold pink. This alone shows how unsatisfied the American culture is with anything even remotely “old fashioned.” For whatever reason, society has this grand idea that the bigger and bolder something the is the more its worth. After the flamingos went into mass production the “sassy pink” color began to pop up everywhere, whether it be bright pink washing machines or kitchen counters. Elvis Presley, the King himself, bought into this new ‘electrochemical pastel,” when he purchased a “pink Cadillac.” Price also notes that the “forward-looking” hues stood as a sign of hope for those raised in the “depression.” Individuals who lived through the Great Depression and had made it through such a tough time viewed this plastic “pink flamingo” as special. Which is another reason why the unnatural, plastic, pink bird became the “hottest color [and possibly product] of the
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Rhetorical Analysis Of The Plastic Pink Flamingo: A Natural History

In “The Plastic Pink Flamingo: A Natural History,” author Jennifer Price explains the history of the iconic pink figure that is widely popular across the United States. Through her article, the author’s irony and use of rhetorical strategies reveals her true criticism: American  culture is too preoccupied with material goods and vanity rather than appreciating genuine beauty. In the first paragraph of her article, Price uses strong juxtaposition using contrary diction. She opens using verbs that…

Words 471 - Pages 2