The Flamingo Ornament

The flamingo ornament has become an iconic symbol of American culture. It’s a fun, kitsch decoration that can be used to show support for a charity or a friend’s birthday. The flamingo has also come to symbolize the gay community. While some people take offense to the flamingo as a stereotype, many queer people embrace it as a playful way to reclaim a symbol that has been used to degrade them.

Flamingos have been a popular lawn ornament since their creation in 1957 by Don Featherstone. He designed the plastic birds for Union Products, who wanted to brighten tract homes in new suburban communities. They were a hit with working-class consumers, who tended to favor colorful, decorative schemes for their home and yard. Featherstone later became the company’s president.

Pink flamingos became associated with Florida, a popular retirement destination for individuals living the “American Dream.” The birds grew in popularity with retirees who took up residence in Florida’s sun-soaked neighborhoods and sought to recreate their favorite vacation spot in their own backyards. Eventually, the flamingos started appearing in suburban yards nationwide.

However, not everyone was a fan of the colorful lawn decorations. Cultural critics and middle-class homeowners derided lovers of the flamingo, and many attempted to discourage the trend with their own counterarguments. The flamingos grew in popularity, thanks to the growing popularity of the television show Miami Vice, which featured characters wearing pink shirts and flamingo-colored sunglasses. They even became a popular choice for gay bars and drag shows, where they were celebrated as a campy, high-brow symbol.

Despite the criticism, pink flamingos were a huge success for Union Products. The company sold tens of millions of the decorative birds, and Sears dropped the product from its catalog in the early 1980s. They continued to be popular for a while, until they began to lose favor among Americans who saw them as an affront to middle-class values like clean, manicured lawns. They also sparked a prank culture where people would place them on the lawns of neighbors and friends, and they became part of the lingo for a certain type of lowbrow humor.

Today, flamingos can still be seen in yards across the country, but they are less of a sign that someone is into a swinging lifestyle and more of a reminder of a certain era in pop culture. They are also an inexpensive way to add color and flair to a garden. The bird’s bright pink color and synthetic materials appeal to those who want to stand out from their neighbors with a splash of personality.

If you are a fan of the fun, kitschy flamingo ornament or simply enjoy adding a touch of color to your garden, you can purchase one on Amazon for under $20. There are also a variety of different styles available, from simple to elaborate. Some have pink wings and dark green stems, while others have a powder blue base with black crests. Some even light up at night. Whatever you choose, be sure to look for a flamingo ornament that is fair trade certified. This will ensure that you are supporting artisans and their families around the world.