Did i say i hated pink?

Here we go again: another blogger reaction to the popular message that there is something wrong with dressing a little girl in pink. The author lays out all the reasons she wants her daughter to like blue AND pink, tiaras AND telescopes. Good, so far. But then she adds, "Femininity is not less than masculinity. It is a different kind of strength, but it is powerful and wonderful and deserves our respect." What's wrong with that? 


Femininity  and masculinity are the names for the expressions traditionally associated with biological sex. But these expressions -- from liking pink to hating to ask directions -- are cultural, and do not always map precisely with biology. The call for more choices and fewer stereotypes is not about undervaluing girls or hating pink. I don't hate pink. The only color I truly hate is that yellowish green that looks like snot.  I believe that people should be treated with love and respect, regardless of sex, gender expression, or sexuality. Finally, I believe that sex, gender expression, and sexuality are not binaries, much less opposites.

I *do* hate essentialism ("girls naturally like pink"). I also think that when we stereotype something as "masculine" or "feminine", we ignore real and important variations in human nature and expression. 

No one should hate pink; it should just be a color. Save the hate for snot green.