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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Are We There Yet?

Too much pink?

The color pink might be damaging to girls, a recent BBC story suggests. In “Should we not dress girls in pink?” writer Clair Bates interviewed several people who believe it’s not healthy for girls to be “obsessed” with the color.

“We are creating little fluffy pink princess, an image of girliness, that is very specific and which some girls don't want to go along with, but due to overwhelming peer pressure, are having to conform to,” said Sue Palmer, author of “Toxic Childhood.”

But Bates also interviewed Spokane’s own Michael Gurian, therapist and author of numerous books on raising kids including “Nurture the Nature.” Gurian told the BBC that an overexposure to the color pink (or any other color) has absolutely no biological effects.

"My daughters love pink, but are very successful young women,” Gurian told the BBC. “Their love of pink and of girl stuff has not held them back."

I have a friend who is especially wary of the Disney princesses. She pointed out to me how "The Little Mermaid," for instance, can send the wrong message to girls. After all, Ariel had to change herself in order to get the prince.

Do you have a daughter who loves pink? Are you at all concerned about the stereotypes and messages behind the "fluffy pink princess" and other "girly" images?



This blog is intended to provide a forum for parents to share knowledge and resources. It's a place for parents young and old to combine their experiences raising families into a collective whole to help others.